Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

Sale, Paris, Couturier & de Nicolay, 27 March 1992, lot 23

Laid down on paper which has in turn been taped to a modern mount. There are some very small repaired tears to the right and lower edges and a slightly abraded area to the lower left corner. The paper has very fractionally discolored with some evidence of very minor staining and foxing to the sky. The medium itself remains strong and vibrant throughout. Sold in a giltwood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This belongs to Giandomenico's extensive series of drawings of centaurs, satyrs and their families.  Although Tiepolo approached the theme of centaurs and satrys in the frescoes for the family villa of Zianigo, James Byam Shaw believed that the group of drawings were executed as works of art in their own right, rather than being preparatory for that specific project, and dated the series to the years between 1761 and 1791.¹   However Jean Cailleux thought they are slightly earlier, beginning around 1755, noting that the group may have included up to one hundred drawings.²

 1.  J. Byam Shaw, The Drawings of Domenico Tiepolo, London 1962, pp. 41-42

2.  J. Cailleux, 'Domenico Tiepolo: Centaurs, Fauns, Female Fauns, and Satyrs among the drawings of Domenico Tiepolo', L'Art du Dix-huitième siècle, Supplement to the Burlington Magazine, vol. CXVI, June 1974.