Man met hoog opgeslagen kraag van mantel 1757 - 1774

This is a drawing by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, made in the 18th century, depicting a man with a high-collared cloak. The drawing’s formal structure is defined by contrasting textures and tonal gradations. The stippling technique used to create the background contrasts with the linear, more defined strokes that shape the figure. The high collar of the cloak frames the man’s face, directing our attention to his expression, which appears solemn. Tiepolo uses light and shadow to model the face and clothing, creating a sense of depth within the two-dimensional plane. The cloak, rendered with meticulous detail, serves both a structural and symbolic function. It encloses the figure, yet its raised collar suggests a barrier, perhaps hinting at the sitter's social status or personal reserve. The man’s gaze, directed slightly off-center, disrupts a symmetrical reading of the composition. This, along with the subtle asymmetry in the folds of the cloak, destabilizes any sense of fixity. The drawing invites multiple interpretations, emphasizing that meaning is not inherent but constructed through the interaction of visual elements.