The Discovery of the Tomb of Punchinello

The Discovery of the Tomb of Punchinello

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

1754

watercolor

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a chaotic group of people tangled in gnarled trees and branches. Their faces are blurred, but their arms and legs twist around each other and the roots. The lines are rough and dark, almost like a scribble, with some faint yellow-green tint in the background. The artist used quick, messy strokes to make the scene feel wild and crowded. This style was a way to show drama and emotion over smooth details. Next, look up Tiepolo, Giovanni Battista to see more of his bold, energetic work.

More by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app