Faam kroont deugd met lauwerkrans 1748 - 1752

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo made this print, "Fame Crowning Virtue with Laurels," using etching and engraving. This print exemplifies the visual codes and cultural references characteristic of 18th-century Venice. The winged figure of Fame bestows a laurel wreath, a classical symbol of triumph and glory, upon Virtue. This scene reflects the values upheld by Venetian society, where honor and moral excellence were highly esteemed. The institution of the Venetian aristocracy, with its emphasis on lineage and reputation, would find this imagery especially resonant. Prints such as these also served an important social function as models and as records of existing artworks. To further understand Tiepolo's work, we might consult period literature, social histories of Venice, and archival records of patronage and artistic commissions. Considering the institutional and social context in which Tiepolo operated allows us to appreciate the full meaning of his artistic choices.