Reclining male figure seen from below c. 1740 - 1750

This is a preparatory drawing by the renowned Italian Rococo artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, dated to around 1740-1750. Tiepolo was known for his dynamic compositions and elegant figures, often depicting scenes from mythology and religious narratives. This drawing, executed in brown ink on paper, showcases his mastery of anatomy and the human form. The figure, rendered from an unusual low angle, conveys a sense of dynamism and movement, typical of Tiepolo's style. This drawing likely served as a study for a larger painting or fresco, showcasing the artist's creative process.