The Titian painting 'Supper at Emmaus' will soon be on display at the Walker Art Gallery. This September the painting will be the focus of free talks and a study afternoon. Free tickets are available from the information desk on 0151 478 4199. Titian Study Afternoon Celebrating the loan to the Walker Art Gallery of Titian’s Supper at Emmaus. An afternoon of talks by Xanthe Brook and Frank Milner. Saturday 17 September 2005, 2- 4pm. Titian Lecture Caroline Campbell of the Courtauld Institute will talk about Titian’s paintings of classical gods and goddesses. Thursday 22 September 2005, 1- 2pm. ‘Fit for a King: Titian’s Portraits’ A lecture by Jennifer Fletcher, art historian and leading expert on 16th century Venetian art. Thursday 29 September 2005, 1- 2pm. When To See The Painting.. Titian is regarded as the greatest artist in 16th-century Renaissance Venice, On Monday 29 November 2004, the painting, which has not been on public display in Britain for 40 years, is on long-term loan from a private collector. Xanthe Brooke, curator of European art at the Walker says: “We are delighted to be able to show this important painting at the Walker. It totally transforms our display of Venetian paintings and is a significant addition to the gallery, as we do not have a work of art by Titian in the permanent collection”. | "We are delighted to be able to show this important painting at the Walker. It totally transforms our display of Venetian paintings." | | Xanthe Brooke, Curator. |
Titian’s mastery of colour and atmosphere won him praise and patronage from courts across Italy and Europe. He painted portraits, religious and mythological scenes. This picture was created shortly before he first portrayed his most important patron, Emperor Charles V. The supper held at the village of Emmaus, near Jerusalem, is a key biblical event (Luke 24:28-32). Christ reappears to his disciples after his Crucifixion and Resurrection, but remains unrecognised by them until he breaks and blesses the bread they are about to eat. Titian has caught on the disciples’ faces their amazement and dawning recognition of Christ’s identity. Characteristically Titian has manipulated the twilight shadows, glowing colours and soft evening light to focus on Christ’s steady gaze, directed at the elderly pilgrim, traditionally identified as the Apostle Peter. In 1531 the painting was presented to the Doge’s Palace, where it hung over a chapel door, by Alessandro Contarini, a member of a distinguished Venetian family noted for its artistic patronage. Painted in oil on wood panel in about 1531. The Walker William Brown Street, Liverpool Admission Free. Open 10am-5pm every day Information 0151 478 4199. | 
