A Female Allegorical Figure

"A Female Allegorical Figure," created by the Venetian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo between 1740 and 1750, is an oil on canvas painting distinguished by its unusual gold ground. This technique, which harkens back to earlier religious panel painting traditions, provides a brilliant, luminous surface that emphasizes the abstract and divine nature of the subject matter. Tiepolo renders the figure using the characteristic light touch and brilliant coloring typical of the Italian Rococo period.

The figure is presented as a partially draped female nude, embodying an abstract concept common in allegorical subjects of the 18th century, although the specific interpretation of this specific figure remains ambiguous. The delicate handling of the flesh tones contrasts markedly with the flat, shimmering background, a stylistic choice that positions this work distinctly within the final phase of the Venetian school.

This piece exemplifies Tiepolo’s celebrated ability to merge classical and mythological themes with expansive, fluid compositions. As one of the preeminent painters of 18th-century Europe, Tiepolo’s mastery is evident in the dynamic pose and the movement suggested by the billowing drapery. The painting resides in the extensive European Paintings collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its historical importance and the artist’s stature, the image of A Female Allegorical Figure is frequently found in the public domain, allowing institutions and scholars to access high-quality prints for research and educational purposes.