Capitulation of a Town 

This drawing, Capitulation of a Town, was made by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo using pen and brown wash over graphite. The artist’s pen moves fluidly to capture a scene of surrender, where the defeated offer symbolic keys to the victors. Notice how the brown wash pools in certain areas, creating depth and shadow. This technique, quick yet skilled, highlights the weight and drama of the moment. The artist has utilized this simple medium to portray the socio-political issue of a town's capitulation. The choice of pen and wash—materials readily available—speaks to the immediacy and reportage aspect of the scene, contrasting the grand themes often associated with "high art." Tiepolo masterfully captures human emotions, labor, and the costs of power through the simplicity of his chosen method. Ultimately, the drawing transcends its modest materials, inviting us to consider the broader cultural context of conflict, negotiation, and the power dynamics inherent in society.