The Tribute Money

Engraving, circa 1568-80, inscribed and signed at bottom center 'Titianus inven / Martino Ruota Sebenzan / f.', with eight lines on two tablets

Second state, without Luca Guarinoni’ publishers address.

A fine example, printed on contemporary laid paper, trimmed to the paltemark, very good condition.

The question of paying tribute to Caesar, at the left two Jews interrogate Christ, one holds a coin, Christ points to the upper right

This engraving reproduces Titian's painting for Philip II, finished in 1568 and sent to Spain in the same year, where he remained in the Escorial until Napoleon took it to France. It is probably identical with the canvas today in the National Gallery, London, inv. no. NG224. This print was published originally by Luca Guarinoni, whose publisher's address is replaced by the empty tablet at centre.

The subject of this painting is taken from the New Testament. The Pharisees ask Christ whether it is right to pay tax to the Romans. Christ, sensing the trap, asks whose likeness and name are on the coinage: 'They say unto him, Caesar's. Then he saith unto them, render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's' (Matthew 22; Mark 12, Luke 20).

A very rare work.