Seated River God and Standing Female Attendant 1696 - 1770

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this drawing of a Seated River God and Standing Female Attendant with pen and brown wash over black chalk. The relatively quick process of drawing allowed Tiepolo to experiment with composition and form, particularly when working on a large project with many figures. He would’ve been intimately familiar with the behaviours of his materials, such as the way the ink bleeds into the paper. The density and texture of his application helps to create depth and volume to the figures. Drawing like this also involves a certain amount of physical labor: preparing the paper, mixing the ink, and executing the marks with precision and control. The skill and experience required to produce such a drawing reflect Tiepolo's mastery of his craft. Ultimately, this drawing provides insight into the creative process of a master artist and the labor involved in producing a work of art. It reminds us that art is not just about the final product, but also about the materials, techniques, and skilled work that go into its creation.