Virtue Crowning a Bearded Man 1696 - 1770

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this drawing, “Virtue Crowning a Bearded Man,” using pen and brown ink with wash over graphite. The eye is immediately drawn to the monochromatic palette of sepia tones, which bathes the scene in a warm, ethereal light. The composition revolves around the central figures, creating a dynamic interplay of movement. The sketch exemplifies Tiepolo's mastery of line and wash, which gives the artwork its formal dynamism. Virtue, with her flowing garments and outstretched arm, bestows a crown upon the bearded man. Note how Tiepolo has created a semiotic system where the "crown" becomes a symbol of honor and moral excellence. Look at the presence of the owl, often associated with wisdom, thus contributing to the visual and intellectual narrative. Ultimately, the work’s formal composition and symbolic components invite ongoing interpretation, reminding us that art is part of a larger cultural discourse.