Dedication, from The Flight into Egypt 1753

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo created this ink on paper artwork titled ‘Dedication’ as part of his ‘The Flight into Egypt’ series. Tiepolo made this dedication to a high-ranking member of the church, Monsignor Carlo Filipo, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, Bishop of Herbipoli, Duke of Franconia. Venice in the 18th century was a place of both immense artistic innovation and rigid social hierarchy. Powerful institutions like the church and the aristocracy were major patrons of the arts, and artists like Tiepolo depended on their support. This dedication page gives insight into how artists navigated the complex social and economic structures of their time, using their skills to forge relationships with those in power. It is difficult to ignore the political implications of imagery, especially when we consider the social conditions that shape artistic production. By studying archival documents, letters, and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between art and society in 18th century Venice.