A Bull on a Ledge c. 1770s

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo rendered "A Bull on a Ledge" with pen and brown wash, achieving a study in form through the contrast of light and shadow. The bull, presented in profile, stands firmly on a ledge, its form articulated with delicate strokes that define muscle and bone. Tiepolo employs a limited palette, focusing on tonal variations to suggest depth and texture. The composition, simple yet powerful, emphasizes the animal's mass and presence. The bull’s stance and musculature are rendered with anatomical precision, highlighting its physical power. The ledge introduces a structural element, grounding the figure while allowing it to be viewed in isolation. This work, beyond its representational value, investigates the formal qualities of line and tone, revealing Tiepolo's engagement with the expressive potential of the drawn medium.