Artwork

A Bull on a Ledge

A Bull on a Ledge, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, ink, 1774
A Bull on a Ledge, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, ink, 1774

A Bull on a Ledge is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower right in brown ink: Dom Tiepolo

About this work

Overview

A Bull on a Ledge is a drawing created by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo around 1774. It is executed in pen and brown ink with brown-gray wash over graphite on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a single bull standing on a rocky ledge, its form and texture rendered with careful attention. The animal's relaxed stance and loose tail suggest a moment of pause or contemplation.

Technique & Style

Tiepolo employed ink and wash to create bold, shadowy shapes, emphasizing strong lines over fine details. The use of quick, dark strokes to suggest the bull's fur adds to the drawing's expressive quality, characteristic of Venetian art from the late 18th century.

A Young Bull Grazing
A Young Bull Grazing, Hendrik Voogd

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

Artist

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (August 30, 1727 – March 3, 1804) was an Italian painter and printmaker in etching. He was the son of artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and elder brother of Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted A Bull on a Ledge?

A Bull on a Ledge was painted by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo in 1774.

Where can I see A Bull on a Ledge?

A Bull on a Ledge is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Bull on a Ledge?

A Bull on a Ledge is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of A Bull on a Ledge?

Museum-quality prints of A Bull on a Ledge are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.