Zephyr and Flora 1696 - 1770

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created this pen and brown wash drawing called Zephyr and Flora sometime in the 18th century. Tiepolo was working in Venice, where the city's elite were eager to display their wealth and sophistication through elaborate art. The art market and patronage system were booming, so the artist would have been savvy to the tastes of his wealthy clientele. Drawings like this one were produced to allow the patron to consider the artist's vision before undertaking larger commissions. Tiepolo’s drawing depicts a scene from classical mythology, where Flora, the goddess of flowers, is seen with Zephyr, the west wind. This was a popular subject during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It would have resonated with his sophisticated clients. The drawing is not only a work of art but also a historical document that provides insights into the cultural values and social structures of 18th-century Venice. Art historians use sources like letters, receipts, and inventories to piece together the context in which Tiepolo created this work.