The Glorification of the Barbaro Family c. 1750

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created this oil on canvas painting called 'The Glorification of the Barbaro Family'. Its opulent display is a clear demonstration of the kind of power and prestige that wealthy Venetian families were keen to project. Commissioned by the Barbaro family during the 18th century, this ceiling painting uses allegory and symbolism to elevate the family’s status. We see family members depicted among classical gods and allegorical figures. The painting would originally have been incorporated into an elaborate interior, effectively merging art and life. This glorification was a means of self-promotion, reinforcing their social position in Venice’s hierarchical society. The historical context of Venice at the time, with its complex political system and emphasis on lineage, is crucial to understanding Tiepolo’s work. Genealogies were a tool to legitimise power, and artworks like this one were vital in visualising it. To dig deeper, we can consider other paintings, documents and archival records which can give us a better understanding of the cultural and institutional history of Venice.