The Miraculous Cross in Titian's "Vendramin Family"

Abstract

inventory of 1569, Georg Gronau has conclusively shown that it is the Vendramin and not the Cornaro family which is here portrayed.? The elderly Gabriele Vendramin is depicted with his brother Andrea and the latter's seven sons in adoration before a crucifix which stands on an altar between two lighted candles. From the identification of the family one can proceed to identify the crucifix on the altar and thence, I believe, to elucidate the significance of this scene of family devotion. A feature in Titian's picture which calls for explanation is the fact that a crucifix should have been selected in preference to the Deity, the Virgin or a patron saint as the visible object of the family's reverence. The