Two Women, a Lion, and a Putto on Clouds

"Two Women, a Lion, and a Putto on Clouds" is an expressive drawing created by the prolific Venetian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The work demonstrates the characteristic technique of 18th-century Italian drafting, executed using pen and brown ink, enhanced by a brush applied with pale (yellow) and dark brown washes, all developed over an initial sketch in black chalk. This intricate layering allowed Tiepolo to achieve dramatic contrasts in light and shadow, giving the aerial setting a powerful sense of movement and volume.

The composition is highly dynamic, typical of the artist’s preparatory studies for large-scale fresco decorations throughout Europe. The piece depicts two robust female figures, perhaps goddesses or personifications, floating dramatically atop celestial clouds. Below them, a powerful lion is prominently featured, likely symbolizing strength, courage, or acting as an attribute of a specific deity, such as Fortitude. A small, winged putto completes the group, adding an element of lighthearted Rococo charm while guiding the viewer’s eye through the celestial scene.

Created during the height of the Rococo period, this drawing is reflective of Tiepolo's masterful draftsmanship and his primary role in defining 18th-century Venetian art. This significant drawing is preserved in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as an excellent example of Tiepolo's quick, vigorous style. As a notable work that defines the artist’s unique approach to allegorical subjects, high-quality prints of the design are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring broad access to the genius of this influential Italian master.