Ca' Rezzonico

Ca' Rezzonico

TIEPOLO. Etching plates from the Museo Correr Collection.

Giandomenico Tiepolo: Plates inspired by the works of Giambattista

Engraving figured largely in the artistic work of Giandomenico Tiepolo (Venice 1772-1804), who found in etching a technique that was particularly suited to his creative gifts. His first, uncertain, efforts in the medium reproduce the paintings Giambattista created for the Venetian church of San Francesco della Vigna. However, thereafter, Giandomenico would perfect his technique; his skilful modulations of chiaroscuro and his mastery of the medium would ultimately lead to works that whilst faithful to the original paintings stand as artistic creations in their own right. On display are the plates for The Three Theological Virtues, based on the monochrome painting in San Francesco della Vigna, The Virgin and Three Dominican Nun Saints, from the altarpiece in another Venetian church, the Gesuati, and The Last Supper , from the altarpiece for the Desenzano cathedral. One special work is Pageboys, Vases and Parrots, in which the artist combines the image which would become the very symbol of his decoration of his villa at Zianigo, with details taken from various works by his father. The end result is an original, almost surreal, composition.