Philip II

painting by Titian

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June 17, 2026

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The painting of Philip II by Titian is a significant state portrait. Titian painted Philip II, then a prince, on two occasions: in Milan in 1548 and again in Augsburg in 1550-1551. The latter portrait, a full-length depiction of the 23-year-old prince, is considered a masterpiece of painting, capturing the subject's personality with a gentle touch despite his "surly face" and "arrogant" demeanor. Titian also created a series of mythological paintings for Philip II, including "Danae with Nursemaid" and "Venus and Adonis," showcasing his imaginative power and skill in depicting beauty.12

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Titian
Portraits
…his greatest state portraits, the Philip II in full length. In this portrait of Philip, when still a prince aged 23, Titian achieved another tour de force in sheer beauty of painting, and he treated gently the surly face of the arrogant young man.
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…his greatest state portraits, the Philip II in full length. In this portrait of Philip, when still a prince aged 23, Titian achieved another tour de force in sheer beauty of painting, and he treated gently the surly face of the arrogant young man.
Read More