Two Seated Satyrs and a Child Satyr 1696 - 1770

This drawing of satyrs was made by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, likely in Venice in the mid-18th century, using pen and brown wash over red chalk on paper. The quality of a drawing lies in its directness. Tiepolo has thought little about the inherent qualities of his materials – paper was cheap and plentiful, and the washes and chalk were mixed quickly. Yet his mastery is evident in the confident application of these humble materials. He freely mixes the red chalk to sketch out the composition, then builds up volume and shadow with broad strokes of the pen. Tiepolo's drawings were preparations for larger paintings, and were made quickly, so that he could accept as many commissions as possible. The virtuosity of his technique, even in this small sketch, speaks to a culture of intensive labor, and an art market driven by aristocratic desire. Ultimately, Tiepolo’s drawing demonstrates how the simplest of materials, combined with skill and the pressures of a vibrant economy, can result in works of enduring appeal.