Two Female Figures and Two Putti on Clouds c. 1740 - 1750

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created this pen and wash drawing, which is now held in the Städel Museum. Here, we see classical figures floating serenely on clouds, an ensemble evoking both religious and mythological narratives. Note the embrace between the two women; this motif echoes the ancient depictions of Aphrodite cradling Adonis, a poignant symbol of love and mourning that carries the weight of countless past representations. Then, consider the putti, winged cherubs familiar from Renaissance art onward, symbolizing divine love and playfulness. This motif of the putto can be traced back to ancient Roman art, where winged figures, often associated with Cupid, adorned sarcophagi and mosaics. Over time, the putto evolved, resurfacing in Christian art as angels and cherubs, their presence a reminder of the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. It's as if the image resonates with echoes from our collective memory, a non-linear progression of symbols echoing through time.