River God with an Oar, Woman Holding a Serpent, and a Standing Nude Boy

River God with an Oar, Woman Holding a Serpent, and a Standing Nude Boy by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a superb example of 18th-century Venetian draftsmanship, showcasing the artist’s mastery of light and form. This composition employs a complex mixed-media technique, executed primarily in pen and brown ink, heightened by contrasting applications of brush with pale (yellow) and dark brown wash, applied over an initial sketch in black chalk. Tiepolo frequently utilized the fluid application of wash to define volume and atmosphere, a technique that gives the figures depth and dramatic illumination despite the small scale of the sheet.

The composition centers on three distinct figures, likely representing an allegorical or mythological scene. The central figure, traditionally identified as a River God, leans heavily on an oar, a common attribute associated with classical watery deities. To his right, a woman is depicted holding a serpent, an emblem that often references prudence, wisdom, or specific classical narratives concerning healing. A standing nude boy completes the grouping, his youthful figure balancing the scene. This type of dramatic study was often created by Tiepolo as an independent artistic exercise or as a preliminary concept for larger frescoes or paintings, though the precise purpose of River God with an Oar, Woman Holding a Serpent, and a Standing Nude Boy is debated.

Tiepolo’s skill in rendering dynamic anatomy and classical themes made him one of the most sought-after artists of the Rococo period. This refined sheet, which showcases his distinctive visual shorthand, is part of the extensive collection of Italian drawings held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a seminal work available through the museum's collection, high-quality prints reflecting the masterful drawing technique are often accessed via public domain initiatives, ensuring the legacy of this Venetian master endures.