The Fall of the Rebel Angels

The Fall of the Rebel Angels by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a crucial example of early 18th-century Italian drawing, executed between 1717 and 1720. This dynamic study, classified as a drawing, showcases Tiepolo’s masterful handling of varied media. The composition relies primarily on pen and brown ink combined with gray wash laid over an initial sketch of black chalk. The artist enhanced certain areas with stronger definitions of pen and black ink, and scattered touches of red chalk are visible on the left side, perhaps indicating preparatory marks or compositional alterations. This complex layering of material demonstrates the highly considered process behind the creation of this celestial conflict.

The subject, the dramatic expulsion of Satan and the rebellious angels from heaven, was a popular theme that allowed artists of the period to explore complex foreshortening and dramatic motion. Created during the period of 1701 to 1725, this piece reflects the high drama and sense of movement characteristic of the transition from late Baroque to Rococo aesthetics prevalent in Italian art. Tiepolo, known for his grand frescoes and expressive handling of narrative, utilizes the wash technique to great effect, defining musculature and movement through dramatic shifts in shadow and light.

As a vital preparatory or display work, this drawing highlights the graphic strength of the artist’s output. Tiepolo’s distinctive hand, characterized by quick, energetic strokes and fluid washes, is fully evident here, confirming his stature as one of the preeminent draftsmen of the century. The work is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its historical significance and placement within the public domain, high-quality prints of this important early 18th-century masterwork are widely accessible, allowing for broader study and appreciation of Tiepolo's foundational drawing style.