Titian (5) 티치아노

Titian 1487/90 – 1576

The Tribute Money (London)

oil on canvas (112 × 103 cm) — c. 1560-1568

The National Gallery, London

Titian biography

This work is linked to Matthew 22:19

Matthew 22 - New Testament

 

In the temple a group of Pharisees tries to trick Jesus into making a political statement. They ask him whether Jews are allowed to pay taxes to the Roman emperor. He then asks them to show him a coin. It holds Caesar's name and inscription. He then says: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's."

 

Fifty years earlier Titian had already made a painting on the same subject, a more intimate work. It is possible that he already started with this painting in the 1540's.