Abraham and the Three Angels 1770

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made "Abraham and the Three Angels" using oil paints, a medium that has been a cornerstone of artistic expression for centuries. Tiepolo's handling of oil paint is particularly striking. Notice the dynamic brushwork, where each stroke feels deliberate and expressive. The translucency of the oil paint allows Tiepolo to build up layers of color, creating a luminous effect, especially evident in the angel's garments and the billowing clouds. He would have mixed his own paints, grinding pigments with oil to achieve the desired colors and consistencies. This was laborious work, done by workshop assistants. In his time, the use of oil paints was associated with the high art of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The large scale of the painting also suggests a patron with means, capable of commissioning such an ambitious work. By mastering this medium, Tiepolo positioned himself within a lineage of great masters, while also contributing his own unique vision and technical skill. Through his mastery of materials and techniques, Tiepolo invites us to appreciate the labor, the tradition, and the creative spark that converge in this captivating work.