Angelica and Medoro 1740 - 1745

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this drawing, Angelica and Medoro, using pen and brown ink wash. It is a classic example of ‘disegno’, the Italian tradition of emphasizing drawing as the foundation for all visual art. The sense of immediacy is due to the spontaneity of the artist’s hand. The ink wash creates a range of tones, from the lightest areas of the paper to the deepest shadows, building up a sense of volume and drama. He used the pen to define the contours of the figures and to add details such as the folds of their drapery, and the trees in the background. The rapid application is what gives the work its vitality, and belies the skill involved. Tiepolo was a master of this medium, using it to quickly capture his ideas on paper before embarking on larger, more complex projects. The drawing can stand alone as a work of art, but it also offers a glimpse into the artist's process, highlighting the importance of drawing as a tool for creative exploration.