Tiziano Vecelli, or Titian as he is known as in English, was born sometime between 1488 and 1490 in the Republic of Venice. As a teenager he was apprenticed to Sebastiano Zuccato and went to work with other artists such as Bellini and Giorgione. who both had an influence on his art.
Titian became successful at a young age, and his 1518 altarpiece, Assumption of the Virgin, helped to establish him as a leading artist. His fame spread and Titian gained commissions from such people as the King of Spain and the Holy Roman Emperor, both of whom sat before him for portraits.
Nicodemus' beard outlined against Jesus' arm is reminiscent of a paintbrush, which is perhaps also intended by the artist