Two Scenes of Coronation 1696 - 1770

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo sketched Two Scenes of Coronation using pen and brown ink with gray wash, likely in the mid-18th century. Tiepolo, living in an era of shifting power dynamics and social upheaval, captures the performative nature of leadership and the rituals that uphold hierarchical structures. The drawing presents two distinct yet interconnected scenes. The act of coronation wasn't just about power, it was deeply intertwined with identity, particularly for those excluded from it. We see figures kneeling, heads bowed, bodies vulnerable—a physical manifestation of subjugation. Tiepolo prompts us to reflect on the emotional and psychological dimensions of power. What does it mean to kneel, to pledge allegiance? How do these acts shape not only the political landscape but also individual identities? He asks us to look beyond the grandeur and consider the human cost of such spectacles. It is a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the pursuit and exercise of authority.