Michelangelo & Titian: A Tale of Rivalry and Genius

In collaboration with
Save Venice

Book Presentation
Michelangelo & Titian
A Tale of Rivalry and Genius
(2026, Princeton University Press)

A presentation by the author
William E. Wallace
Barbara Murphy Bryant Distinguished Professor of Art History
Washington University in St. Louis

Drawing from his new book, Prof. Wallace relates the compelling story of the forty-year rivalry between two celebrated artists. Friendly but not friends, Michelangelo and Titian met twice and shared a dozen patrons in common, challenging and inspiring each other well into old age.

William E. Wallace is the Barbara Murphy Bryant Distinguished Professor of Art History at Washington University in St. Louis. His books include Michelangelo, God’s Architect: The Story of His Final Years and Greatest Masterpiece (Princeton); Discovering Michelangelo: The Art Lover’s Guide to Understanding Michelangelo’s Masterpieces; and Michelangelo: The Artist, the Man, and His Times.

Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò
New York University
November 5, 2026