It should be no wonder that Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770) would be the chosen artist to paint many a domed ceiling, for if there were ever a master of painting skies, it would be Tiepolo. This modello of what was once on the walls of the now ruined Palazzo Archinto (destroyed in World War II) was purchased in 1916 by Henry Clay Frick, and gives us the only view of the composition and colors of the original work. It leaves us to imagine how glorious this would have looked on the enormous walls and high vaulted ceilings of the palazzo. The main things to notice here in this allegorical painting of an Ancient Greek myth are the upward movement of the figures, which swirl upwards in an “S” shape into a golden heaven, and yes, that golden sky.
Venetian painters have always been noted for their use of color. In fact, it was one of the things the Florentines were quite snooty about. In their world view, drawing was the basis for every painting. They gasped with disapproval when it was reported that the great Titian might make only a light sketch then proceed to paint his figures paying no attention at all to that sketch. Added to this was the penchant of the Venetians for beautiful colors. Of course, as lovely as Florence is, it does not have the beauty of the sea and the wonderous effects it creates when it plays with the colors of the sky. Venice has that and lovely, colorful architecture to match. Tiepolo, like the other great masters of the 18th century, the Vedutisti (painters of Venetian scenes) Canaletto and Francesco Guardi, for example, infused his paintings with wonderful cloud-filled skies with colors ranging from misty blue-gray to these fiery oranges touched with a deep rose.
To settle into a session of viewing Tiepolo’s work, such as the masterpiece above, one must consider that modern classic Venetian drink, the Bellini. First created at Harry’s Bar in the 1948 when Giuseppe Cipriani poured a mixture of peach purée and prosecco, it was named for the
color of a saint’s cloak in a painting by Giovanni Bellini. Bellini, a 15th century Renaissance master, stands at the head of a long line of great Venetian painters. A sip of Bellini and a viewing of some of the Tiepolo’s work in the video Tiepolo in Milan, the Lost Frescoes of the Palazzo Archinto (youtube.com) is a fine way to escape the cares of the day and relax into the evening. And should you want to find out more about the Bellini (like the recipe) checkout the Eataly website: eataly.com (Photo credit: Eataly).
It would be no surprise that Tiepolo’s talent would not remain only in Italy. In 1750, Prince Bishop Karl Philip von Greiffenklau commissioned Tiepolo to paint the interior of his residence in Bavaria. Tiepolo arrived with his son, Giamdominico, and tackled what would become the largest frescoed ceiling painting ever made, 190 x 30.5 meters (roughly 623′ x 100′). It depicts in fine Rococo style an elaborate piece called Apollo and the Four Continents. Once again the view has an upward movement with the figures around the base of the painting representing what was accepted in the 1700s as the continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.
At the center of the action of course is the Sun God himself. Apollo is carried aloft in the company of two women who hold his iconic lyre and torch. While a few other gods are present in the skies, it is Apollo’s journey across the skies as the sun that takes center stage in an otherwise clear sky of pastel blue and deep rosy pink clouds. The effect when walking up the staircase is that of seeing the open sky filled with divine beings. The whole sensation is one of being lifted up.
Bavaria – you thought it was only beer country. Think again. The Franconia area is quite favorable to winemaking, especially the Würzberg Stein, which produces a dry white wine made from Silvaner grapes, called steinwein. Beyond that you might try an off-dry Riesling while taking in a video of the palace (youtube.com)
If you are thinking of making an actual visit to Bavaria, certainly consider taking a wine tour in Franconia. The article, “You know Bavaria for beer, but you should be going for wine,” (matadornetwork.com) says it all. It is a good way to open your eyes to these wines or find one here at home before you settle in to viewing videos of Tiepolo’s beautiful work
Tiepolo ended his career in Madrid (1762-1770) in the service of King Charles III who had him paint an enormous ceiling fresco in the throne room of the royal palace. It represented the Glory of Spain by depicting Spain’s then fading conquest of the Americas (revolutions freed those Spanish colonies in 1810-1820). However, the king took advantage of the great artist’s presence in Madrid for other projects as well. His royal church of San Pascual Bailón commissioned seven altarpieces. The close up above shows the beautifully modeled face of Mary, whose distinct features and porcelain-like skin contrast with the loose handling of the modest, tan, scarf that surrounds her head.
The larger painting seen here shows once again Tiepolo’s use of soft colors for the skies, while contrasting them with blues and beiges. A passel of putti (baby angels) surrounds her, with one trying to hide under her cloak. The faces put on those angels range from adoring to downright mischievious. Take a look at the full picture on the Museo del Prado website linked above. Regardless of their expressions, we see that Tiepolo presents Mary with a calm demeanor, her eyes turned to inner reflection. Once again the movement in the painting is upward with lots of open sky around the upper part of the painting.
Making beautiful paintings in Spain and the ever increasing demands of King Charles III helped to bring an end to Tiepolo who died in March of 1770 in Madrid. It may have even been difficult for the painter to be paid by the king, which only would have exacerbated conditions of poor health and old age. However, the glory of Tiepolo’s fabulous creations are the hallmark of the Rococo period in art and should be saluted, perhaps with a glass of good Spanish sherry from Jerez! To find out more about those see explorelatierra.com
Marjorie Vernelle is an artist, writer, college professor, and traveler. For more see the Pages at ofartandwine.com. Her author page is at amazon.com and her art at Vernelle Art Boutique vernellestudio.com.
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©marjorie vernelle 2023
Coming Soon: Rocking Rococo and Some Wines to Go With It.
The Baroque period brought back the human figure as it had been seen in classical times, as opposed to the elongated, often twisting figures of the Mannerist Period in the 16th century. However, the 18th century decided that Baroque did not go far enough, so what we now call Rococo came into fashion to amuse everyone with its frills and fantasy, as the world of European royal courts headed to the French Revolution. And yes, they did drink a lot of wine.