Artwork

Rinaldo and the Magus of Ascalon

Rinaldo and the Magus of Ascalon, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, oil, 1743
Rinaldo and the Magus of Ascalon, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, oil, 1743

Rinaldo and the Magus of Ascalon is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. It dates from 1743 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Rinaldo and the Magus of Ascalon is a 1743 oil painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifying the Rococo style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a mythological scene featuring Rinaldo, a figure from legend, alongside the Magus of Ascalon, an older, bearded sage. The Magus expresses concern towards Rinaldo, set against a backdrop of natural scenery and additional figures, including armored men and a prone, blue-robed individual, conveying a sense of drama and tension.

Technique & Style

Characterized by rich detail and vibrant color, the work showcases Tiepolo's mastery of Rococo painting, emphasizing expressive interaction between characters and a nuanced, detailed environment.

History & Provenance

Created in 1743, the painting is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, with its provenance prior to acquisition not detailed here.

Context

This work reflects the Rococo era's fascination with mythology and emotive, intimate scenes, typical of 18th-century European artistic preoccupations.

Legacy

As a representative of Tiepolo's oeuvre and the Rococo movement, the painting contributes to the broader understanding and appreciation of 18th-century European art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

Artist

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, also known as Giambattista Tiepolo, was an Italian painter and printmaker from the Republic of Venice who painted in the Rococo style, considered an important member of the 18th-century Venetian school.