Putto

The drawing Putto by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, executed between 1738 and 1743, is an exquisite example of preparatory work for which the Venetian master is famous. Rendered skillfully in chalk on paper, this detailed sketch captures the movement and robust form of a putto, a common decorative and allegorical motif central to eighteenth-century ceiling painting and Rococo design.

Tiepolo utilized drawing extensively to plan the complex foreshortening and dramatic poses required for his grand fresco cycles. This piece demonstrates his characteristic swift yet precise handling of line, focusing intently on defining the volume of the figure and its dynamic posture. The period 1738-1743 marks a highly productive phase for the artist, preceding his major commissions in Würzburg and Madrid, during which he perfected the light, airy style associated with Rococo monumentality. These drawings served as crucial working documents for his assistants and for the final realization of his elaborate decorative schemes.

This important study is preserved within the collection of the Rijksmuseum, contributing to their significant holdings of European Old Master drawings. Although originally designed as a preliminary sketch, the high quality and academic interest of this work ensure its continued study by scholars of eighteenth-century Venetian art. Because this masterwork is now in the public domain, high-quality digital reproductions are widely accessible. Many enthusiasts enjoy collecting fine art prints derived from Tiepolo’s extensive graphic output, reflecting the enduring appeal of his dynamic compositions.