Seated River God, Nymph with an Oar, and Putto

Seated River God, Nymph with an Oar, and Putto by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a masterful example of eighteenth-century Venetian draftsmanship. Created using pen and brown ink, the composition is dramatically enhanced by the application of brush with pale (yellow) and dark brown washes, laid over an initial sketch in black chalk. This layering of mediums demonstrates Tiepolo’s characteristic vitality and speed in capturing complex mythological figures, hallmarks of his practice across the late Baroque and Rococo periods.

The central figures adhere to established classical iconography. A powerful Seated River God, rendered as a muscular male nude, dominates the composition, leaning on an urn typical of such allegorical representations of natural boundaries. He is accompanied by a Nymph, identified by her presence and the oar-like implement she holds, signifying navigation or watery dominion. A small Putto completes the group, adding a playful, dynamic element to the scene. Tiepolo frequently utilized such detailed figure studies, often preparatory for the monumental frescoes and large-scale canvases he executed across Northern Italy and Spain.

As one of the most prolific artists of his time, Tiepolo’s drawings were highly valued both as preparatory studies and finished collector’s pieces. The strong interplay of light and shadow, achieved through the skillful wash work, effectively emphasizes the volume and musculature of the mythological forms. This superb drawing is classified within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its age and historical significance, the artwork is frequently referenced for academic study, and high-quality prints derived from the original are often made available through the museum’s public domain resources.