Clarissa Strozzi

Clarissa Strozzi was just two years old at the time of this charming portrait in which Titian combines a full length figurative depiction with a pet dog and a spread of greenery in the background landscape

The wealth of the Strozzi family is clear to see in the content of the painting, not just withstanding the fact that they could afford the services of Titian himself to this painting. Young Clarissa is adorned in a stunning dress, potentially handmade specifically for her, and there are streams of jewellery flowing down from her waist.

There is much detail to appreciate in this portrait, with her name and age inscribed on the wall to her left. There are also two cherubs decoratively added to her bedroom table. The draped velvet cloth also adds to the feeling of wealth and grandeur which is understandable considering that her father, and donor, for this work was Roberto Strozzi of a Florentine banking background.

The tribulations of her father's involvement in politics and espionage was nowhere to be seen in this sweet, innocent depiction of a young girl seemingly with a wonderful life ahead of her.

Pietro Aretino, an art critic of the time, ranked is amongst the finest of all Titian's paintings and was amazed by the way in which the artist brought the scene alive. The girl herself appears to be distracted by a third party out of the painting's scope whilst the dog seems confortable in his owner's clutches.

The artist also brings a sense of animation with the swinging pendulum of her pendant as suggested by the slight bend in its chain. A close inspection of the landscape reveals further detail with a pair of swans sitting playfully, possibly with a symbolic role to play.