La vocation des fils de Zébédée 

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo created this pen and wash drawing, titled "The Vocation of the Sons of Zebedee." Tiepolo was a Venetian artist working in the 18th century. Venice was a republic ruled by an elite class, with the rest of the population divided into guilds. Religious imagery had a public role, often intended to inspire piety or demonstrate the power of the church. In this biblical scene, Jesus calls James and John to become his disciples, leaving their fishing boat behind. The use of sepia wash gives the image a sense of antiquity, while the dynamic composition adds drama. It asks viewers to reflect on their own calling, and the personal sacrifices it might entail. Historical context is key to unlocking the layers of meaning within this artwork. By studying the social, religious, and political environment in which Tiepolo lived, we can gain a deeper understanding of the image's purpose and its intended impact on its audience.