Studies of two figures c. 1740 - 1745

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this drawing of two figures with graphite on paper. The material itself is not inherently precious, especially when used in the service of sketching. What’s remarkable here is the artist's economy of means. See how few lines it takes to suggest the faces, the folds of cloth, the play of light. The artist doesn’t labor over details; instead, we get the feeling of a fleeting moment captured. The sketch is not a finished artwork in itself, but is rather preparatory to the kind of large-scale history paintings for which Tiepolo was famous. And these paintings in turn were part of a larger system of production, a demonstration of his artistry and a display of wealth for his patrons. By looking closely at the making of this seemingly simple sketch, we can appreciate its social significance and gain a deeper understanding of the artist's overall practice.