Seated Youth Leaning against an Urn

"Seated Youth Leaning against an Urn" by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a refined example of Italian graphic art, created between 1740 and 1743. This piece is executed as an etching in red-brown ink on laid paper, a sophisticated choice of material that lends warmth and depth to the controlled lines. As a significant print from the mid-eighteenth century, the work falls squarely within the flourishing period of 1726 to 1750, showcasing Tiepolo’s developing mastery in the printmaking medium alongside his monumental fresco commissions.

The composition depicts a solitary seated youth, leaning casually against a large funerary urn set in an undefined, atmospheric space. While the specific narrative context of such figures is often intentionally vague in Tiepolo’s capricci (whimsical prints), the scene reflects the popular classical and pastoral motifs prevalent in 18th-century Italian art. Tiepolo utilizes the etching technique to great effect, employing delicate, controlled cross-hatching to define the musculature of the figure and the texture of the drapery, which contrasts subtly with the smooth surface of the stone urn. This thoughtful exploration of light and shadow demonstrates the artist’s transition from grand decorative painter to meticulous graphic artist.

This work stands as a testament to the artist’s versatility, confirming his status as one of the preeminent Italian masters of the Rococo era. The exceptional quality and preservation of this piece make it a valuable resource for studying 18th-century prints. Today, the work is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its historical significance, high-resolution reproductions of this masterwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, allowing broader study and appreciation of Tiepolo’s graphic output from the period 1726 to 1750.