Standing male figure seen from behind c. 1740 - 1750

This drawing of a man seen from behind was made by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo with pen and brown ink, over graphite, on paper. It’s a quick sketch, really, notable for its concentration of marks. Tiepolo clearly knew exactly how to make his lines count. Look closely, and you can see the pressure of the pen on the paper, how he lets the ink pool in certain areas, and keeps the stroke light in others. The controlled variation gives depth to the figure, especially in the folds of the man's coat and hat. The laid paper support also plays a part, its ribbed surface adding to the textural effect. It's a virtuoso performance, one that shows the artist’s deep understanding of his materials, and also demonstrates the relationship between labor, process, and skill. While the drawing may appear effortless, it's the result of years of dedicated practice, Tiepolo’s mastery of the medium allowing him to capture the essence of the figure with such efficiency and flair.