Born Pieve di Cadore c1485, Died Venice 1576. Titian was the most important artist of the Vecellio family and was highly successful during his lifetime. He is considered the greatest painter of the Venetian school and his work illustrates the transition from the meticulous finish of the 15th century to the more brushy technique and muted colours of the 16th century. Titian was based in Venice throughout his life but he had many commissions outside Venice and Italy, most notably for Phillip II of Spain. His work influenced major European painters of the 17th century including Rubens and Velazquez.