Rinaldo observed by Carlo and Ubaldo 1755

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo painted this oil on canvas, Rinaldo observed by Carlo and Ubaldo, sometime in the 18th century. The material quality of paint is really foregrounded here, and it's worth noting that the support is canvas rather than a solid panel. This would have allowed Tiepolo to work much faster, and at a larger scale, than his predecessors. See how he’s used the fluidity of oil paint to full effect. Notice the quick, expressive brushwork and the way he's layered the pigments to create depth and luminosity. The light seems to radiate from within the figures themselves. This particular way of handling paint was considered very modern at the time, because it was all about bravura, a display of painterly skill. And like any other kind of skilled work, this was something to be valued. Ultimately, appreciating the material properties of the painting brings us closer to understanding its cultural significance. Tiepolo wasn't just telling a story; he was showcasing the unique possibilities of his medium.