The Madonna, Child and Angels Entering the Boat 1750 - 1753

"The Madonna, Child and Angels Entering the Boat" was etched by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo sometime between 1727 and 1804. Tiepolo lived in an era of aristocratic patronage, where religious and mythological scenes served as both artistic expression and social commentary. Note how the etching renders a biblical narrative with an emphasis on movement, emotion, and an almost theatrical composition. The figures are not simply placed in the boat, but are actively entering it, creating a sense of urgency and purpose. Tiepolo employed the etching needle with a freedom that allowed him to develop a distinctive style. Look at the angel whose embrace of Mary appears both protective and tender. It’s a challenge to represent the divine, but Tiepolo’s work offers a space to contemplate how the narratives of religious history are deeply interwoven with human experiences.