Allegorical Figure Representing Fortitude 1760

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created this oval oil sketch, Allegorical Figure Representing Fortitude, sometime in the 18th century. The monochromatic palette gives the artwork a sculptural, almost monumental quality, emphasized by the figure's solid stance and determined gaze. The composition centres around the allegorical figure, whose draped clothing and muscular form suggest classical sculpture. She leans against a pillar, a symbol of steadfastness, her posture and the pillar's verticality create a stable, imposing structure. The limited color range focuses attention on the textures and tonal variations, from the soft folds of the drapery to the rough surface of the pillar. Tiepolo uses light and shadow to define form, creating depth and volume within the oval frame. This chiaroscuro technique enhances the emotional weight of the image. The figure's expression, combined with her solid stance, embodies the concept of fortitude, reflecting the values of strength and resilience which are amplified through the artwork's formal elements.