The Battle of Vercellae 1725 - 1729

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this dramatic painting on canvas, using oil paints and brushes. The artist applied thin layers of pigments suspended in oil, resulting in a rich and luminous surface. Tiepolo skillfully manipulates paint to depict the chaos of battle. He employs dynamic brushwork and contrasting colors to capture the energy and movement of the scene. The materiality of the paint enhances the visual impact. The textures and tones vividly portray the clash of bodies, the glint of metal, and the billowing smoke. While the subject matter is grand and historical, we can consider the labor involved in its creation. Preparing the canvas, mixing the paints, and executing such a large-scale composition required significant skill and effort. Tiepolo had workshop assistants, and the very subject of battle reminds us of the human cost of conflict. By understanding the materials, processes, and social context of this painting, we can appreciate the interplay between artistic skill, historical narrative, and the realities of labor and conflict.