Jacob Schwarz
Sleeping Venus vs Venus of Urbino
Giorgione vs Titian

This paper is going to be a comparison of Giorgione’s Sleeping Venus and Titian’s Venus of Ubrino. The first is going to be Sleeping Venus, which was started by Giorgione and finished by Titian after Giorgione’s death. This portrait was completed in 1510. The next portrait, which was completed by Titian 28 years later in 1538, is going to be Venus of Urbino. Titian was a student of Giorgione and was able to finish Sleeping Venus and create Venus of Urbino all while pleasuring the senses and incorporating light and color. First up are the comparisons. Both portraits include a female nude in the front of the portrait. Both females are completely nude, and also have a very similar pose. Both have the left hand placed on the vagina. They also have a very similar body shape and size. Both portraits are erotic and demonstrate the sensuality of the Venetian style.
There are many more differences than similarities when comparing the portraits. While the left hands have a similar postion, the right hand in Sleeping Veuns is behind her head, acting as a source of head relaxation. Venus of Urbino shows a woman with her right arm foreshortening closer to the viewer while holding an object. While both are very erotic, Venus of Urbino shows Venus gazing directly at the viewer, not like the other portrait that shows Venus sleeping. There is a sense of seduction in Venus of Urbino. The next difference is the background of the photographs. Sleeping Venus shows an almost mythical natural landscape while the other shows maids in the background of a home savaging through a chest. There is also a dog on the bed or Venus of Urbino that symbolizes fidelity and loyalty.

This photograph also shows her as maybe the wife of the Duke of Urbino, and includes very warm light, vibrant middle shadows. Very warm flesh, and almost being gradually removed from her goddess title. Using a prostitute to pose for the portrait also created the look of seduction, and not purity.
Both portraits are great, though I prefer Venus of Urbino. It is very realistic and I prefer the warm coloring. Titian was able to make this portrait look chiaroscuro. Everything about this picture is more appealing. Both are great pieces but I think Titian is a much better artist than his professor, Giorgione, and it shows in these two portraits.

http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/g/giorgion/various/venus.html
http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/g/giorgion/various/venus.html