Zephyr and Flora

Zephyr and Flora by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a magnificent example of eighteenth-century Venetian draughtsmanship, depicting the Roman mythological figures associated with spring and blooming. Executed between 1696 and 1770, this captivating study employs pen and dark brown ink, combined with brush applied pale and dark brown washes, skillfully laid over a foundational sketch in black chalk. This layering technique allows Tiepolo to achieve rich tonal contrasts and a dynamic sense of movement, characteristic of the Rococo period.

The composition focuses on the amorous pursuit of the nymph Chloris (later the goddess Flora) by Zephyr, the gentle West Wind. Tiepolo’s treatment of the figures is fluid and energetic, demonstrating the sophisticated handling of light and shadow that established him as a leading decorative painter and draftsman in Europe. The use of wash creates depth and atmosphere, giving the illusion of a finished ceiling fresco, for which the artist was highly renowned.

As a preparatory sketch or a fully realized cabinet drawing, this piece provides valuable insight into Tiepolo's creative process and mastery of the disegno. The subject matter reflects the era's fascination with classical mythology and allegorical representations. This important drawing is housed in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it serves as a cornerstone of their holdings of Venetian drawings. The popularity of such masterworks ensures that high-quality prints and reproductions remain widely sought after by collectors and students of art history globally.