Portrait of a young woman with feather hat 1536

Titian painted this oil on canvas portrait, *Portrait of a Young Woman with a Feather Hat*, sometime in the 16th century. The striking clothing in this piece can tell us a lot about the culture and the institutions of art in Titian’s Italy. While the bare shoulders of this sitter might suggest informality, the jewelry, the expensive hat and the rich fabrics tell us that she is wealthy. At this time, Venice was a major trading hub and its citizens had access to luxury goods from all over the world. The display of wealth through costume was also very important for establishing social status in the Republic. It’s quite possible that this isn’t a portrait of a specific person at all. Rather, Titian may have painted a model wearing fine clothing in order to showcase his skills and attract commissions from wealthy patrons. We can look at the account books of Venetian painters to learn more about workshop practices, the use of models, and the business of art in the Renaissance.