Titian 1487/90 – 1576

The Tribute Money (Dresden)

oil on panel (79 × 70 cm) — c. 1515 Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden

Titian biography

This work is linked to Matthew 22:19

A group of Pharisees tries to trick Jesus into making a political statement. Are Jews allowed to pay taxes to the Roman emperor, they ask him. He then asks them to show him a coin. It holds Caesar's name and inscription. He then says: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's."

Titian shows Jesus with a soft, pale skin and the Pharisee with a rude, dark skin. Fifty years on Titian would make another painting on this subject.

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