Two Women and a Winged Boy on Clouds 1696 - 1770

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created this pen and brown wash drawing of two women and a winged boy on clouds in 18th-century Venice. The sketch offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the time, particularly the Baroque interest in drama, movement, and religious subjects. Tiepolo was a master of frescoes and large-scale decorations, and this study likely relates to one of his many commissions for churches or palaces. The winged boy is probably an angel, indicating a religious scene, though the narrative remains ambiguous. The sketch is an important document of institutional history. It reveals the artist’s working methods, as he experimented with composition and light effects. Venice was a major center of artistic innovation, and Tiepolo’s art reflects the city’s unique blend of tradition and cosmopolitanism. By studying drawings like this, we can learn about the social conditions that shaped the artist's vision. Resources like letters, contracts, and contemporary accounts can help us to better understand the rich cultural context.