Head of a Man Looking Up 1750 - 1760

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created this 'Head of a Man Looking Up' using red chalk and white chalk on paper. Looking at the artwork, you can see how the red chalk defines the contours of the face, while the white chalk is used to highlight the planes that catch the light, creating a sense of volume and depth on a flat surface. Tiepolo’s mark-making is incredibly deft. He renders the texture of the skin with subtle variations in pressure, while the hair is suggested with loose, flowing strokes. This method of drawing reflects a workshop-based approach to art-making, where skills were developed through repetition and practice. The drawing also has a clear purpose: it is a study for a larger composition, allowing Tiepolo to work out the pose and expression of the figure before incorporating it into a finished painting. By considering Tiepolo's methods, we can gain a deeper understanding of the aesthetic and social values of the time, and question the boundary between art and craft.