In the Guardian, Jonathan Jones gives His 7 Pointers (Guardian, December 18) on why a Brothel Scene by Titian is worth £50m.
The painting in question is Titian's Diana and Actaeon (1556-1559).
Not to get too technical he reminds us in point 2 of 7 that "oil
painting was, it has been said, invented to portray flesh, but it was
also invented to portray reflection."
He notes that the National Galleries in London and Edinburgh are expected to raise
the £50m to purchase the painting from the Duke of Sutherland.
The National Gallery (London) page tells us that "these pictures are part of a series of famous mythological paintings by
Titian. They were painted for King Phillip II of Spain when the artist
was at the height of his powers. The subjects were based on the Roman
poet Ovid's Metamorphoses – Titian himself referred to them as ‘poesie’
(poems)."
If you have spare change you can join the Campaign for the Titans from both galleries (pictured above).
Brother can you spare a painting.
Other Museum pieces: Toilet Museum in New Delhi, Sanitary Culture