Free with museum admission, advance registration is required.
John Marciari
Drawing was central to the artistic practice of Giambattista and Domenico Tiepolo. They drew not only preparatory studies for paintings and highly finished works for collectors, but also elaborate series of drawings seemingly created by the artists solely for their own enjoyment. Thousands of their drawings survive, and although ranging widely in function and date, all are characterized by brilliant invention and technical marvel. As one writer suggested when faced with a Tiepolo sketch, the viewer “must content himself with silent admiration of so magical a performance.” This lecture by John Marciari, Charles W. Engelhard Curator, Drawings and Prints, will nonetheless provide an introduction to drawings by the Tiepolo, looking at the range of their work, drawing attention to highlights, and providing an introduction to the Morgan’s exhibition Spirit and Invention: Drawings by Giambattista and Domenico Tiepolo.
The exhibition Spirit and Invention: Drawings by Giambattista and Domenico Tiepolo will be open at 5 PM for program attendees.
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Time and Cupid, ca. 1737-1740, Pen and brown ink and wash, over black chalk, on paper. Purchased by Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) in 1909.