Tityus devoured by a Vulture

1520

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Tityus devoured by a Vulture is a 1520 by Nicolas Beatrizet, a Renaissance work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Nicolas Beatrizet
When & what style?: 1520 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a man lying on the ground, with a large bird, possibly a vulture, standing over him. The bird's wings are spread wide, and its beak is open as if it is about to attack. In the background, there are ruins of a building, with columns and arches visible. The scene is set in a rocky, barren landscape. The painting is done in a detailed and realistic style, with intricate textures and shading. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and drama, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure of the man and the bird. The painting appears to be a depiction of a mythological scene, possibly from ancient Greek or Roman mythology. To learn more about this style of painting, look into the Renaissance movement.

The story of this work

Overview

Nicolas Beatrizet’s print on paper depicts Tityus being devoured by a vulture, after a composition by Michelangelo, and exists in its first state before the address of 'Van Aelst' was added.

Read the full account in the museum source.