Study of a Garden Sculpture: Leda? 1727 - 1804

This drawing of a garden sculpture, possibly Leda, was made by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo with pen and brown wash on paper. Notice how Tiepolo used the fluidity of the brown wash to create soft, diffused shadows on the figure's body, giving it a sense of volume and depth. The pen lines define the contours of the sculpture, but it’s the wash that really conveys the weight and texture of the stone. Tiepolo's quick, confident strokes capture the essence of the sculpture, suggesting its form and presence with remarkable efficiency. This drawing is not just a record of an object, but a demonstration of Tiepolo's mastery of his materials, and his deep understanding of form and light. Looking closely at the material qualities and the techniques used in the drawing allows us to appreciate the level of artistry involved, and to question the traditional hierarchy that places drawing below sculpture.