Caricature of Two Women Seen From Behind

Art Historical Context

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo's *Caricature of Two Seen From Behind*, created in the late 18 century, captures the playful spirit of Venetian Rococo draftsmanship. The son of the renowned fresco master Giambattista Tolo, Domenico was a master of expressive drawings, often infusing them with humor and satire. This intimate sheet, measuring just 6 1/8 x 7 11/16 inches, depicts two women viewed from behind, their exaggerated postures and flowing garments hinting at lighthearted commentary on fashion or social graces of the era. Rendered in pen and gray ink with brown and gray wash, the work showcases Tiepolo's virtuoso technique: fluid, energetic lines define contours and movement, while subtle washes add depth and tonal modeling. This mixed-media approach was ideal for quick, spontaneous sketches, allowing artists like Tiepolo to experiment freely outside the demands of grand commissions. Caricatures were a Venetian specialty, blending artistry with wit to poke fun at daily life. Housed in the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1975, this drawing exemplifies the lively tradition of 18th-century Italian graphic art. It invites visitors to appreciate how Tiepolo transformed ordinary scenes into sources of delight, bridging the opulent world of Rococo painting with the immediacy of personal observation.

About the Artist

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo · 1727–1804

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727-1804) was a Venetian painter, printmaker, and draftsman whose career spanned the twilight of the Rococo era. Born on August 30, 1727, in Venice as the eldest son of the celebrated Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, he worked both in his father's shadow and as a significant independent artist who developed a distinctly earthbound and humanistic vision. Domenico's importance...