Standing Man, Facing Half Right

The drawing Standing Man, Facing Half Right by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, executed circa 1757–1763, exemplifies the artist’s mature draftsmanship in the period just prior to his departure for Spain. Rendered primarily in pen and brown ink, augmented by fluid applications of brown wash, the work belongs to the venerable tradition of figure study prevalent in 18th-century Venice. The subject is a solitary male figure, captured in a dynamic three-quarter pose, his body defined by economical yet forceful outlines. This creation dates from a highly productive late phase in the artist's career, coinciding with his final major commissions and travels, providing invaluable insight into his working process.

Tiepolo’s handling of the medium is characterized by swift, assured pen strokes that quickly establish the outline and core structure of the man. The expressive brown wash is expertly modulated to provide depth, emphasizing the volume and weight of the figure while suggesting the texture of his attire. Unlike highly finished preparatory sketches, this piece possesses the immediacy of an observational study or a ricordo, often employed by the master for rapid reference. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow highlights the man’s features and stance, showcasing the theatrical sensibility common to the Venetian Rococo style.

This drawing demonstrates the technical brilliance that defined the Venetian master’s legacy in the history of art. Tiepolo’s comprehensive study of human posture and anatomy, evident in the careful delineation of the figure, was fundamental to the success of his monumental fresco cycles. This piece is held within the distinguished collection of European Drawings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a seminal work from the mid-18th century drawing tradition, high-quality prints derived from the original often circulate among those utilizing public domain art resources, making the detailed study of this standing man widely accessible.