The Sacrifice of Iphigenia (recto) / Study of a Male Nude (verso)

The Sacrifice of Iphigenia (recto) / Study of a Male Nude (verso) by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, dating from approximately 1721-1731, is a vital example of 18th-century Italian draftsmanship. The recto captures the dramatic moment from Greek mythology when the prophet Calchas prepares to sacrifice Agamemnon’s daughter, Iphigenia, a necessary act to appease the goddess Artemis and secure favorable winds for the Greek fleet destined for Troy. This complex narrative scene is rendered primarily in pen and brown ink with a skillful application of brown wash, which defines the dynamic movement and varying depths of the composition.

Tiepolo employed a combination of techniques, using black chalk as an initial underdrawing before layering the expressive ink lines and broad washes that articulate the figures and the surrounding setting. The combination of materials highlights the artist’s mastery in quickly conveying dramatic tension and architectural space. Intriguingly, the sheet also contains evidence of later reconsideration, with unrelated touches of red chalk visible on the laid paper.

The verso features a distinct drawing, the Study of a Male Nude, executed with the same economy and fluidity of line. Such figure studies were crucial to Tiepolo’s preparation for large-scale commissions, serving both as academic exercises and specific details for his ambitious frescos and canvases. The dual subjects underscore the comprehensive nature of the artist's studio practice during this prolific period.

This work exemplifies the artistic advancements of the time, aligning with the period designated as 1701 to 1725, marking the transition into the full flowering of the Venetian Rococo. Drawings like this were instrumental to Tiepolo’s global reputation, and reproductions and prints of his compositions are frequently found in public domain collections today, allowing for broader access to the works of this master. This important drawing is part of the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art.