TIZIANO Vecellio
(b. 1490, Pieve di Cadore, d. 1576, Venezia)

A Knight of Malta

1510-15
Oil on canvas, 80 x 64 cm
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

The cross on the man's cloak clearly identifies him as a Knight of Malta. The portrait is typical of Titian's early work, in which he was still strongly influenced by Giorgione. The latter's influence can be seen clearly in the way the portrayed man is positioned in the picture, and Titian's choice of picture format.