Artwork

Martyrdom of St. Agatha

Martyrdom of St. Agatha, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, 1755
Martyrdom of St. Agatha, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, 1755

Martyrdom of St. Agatha is a print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo. It dates from 1755 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Martyrdom of St.

About this work

Overview

Martyrdom of St. Agatha is a print created by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo around 1755, reflecting the artistic lineage of his father, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, in both painting and etching.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the martyrdom of Saint Agatha, a frequently illustrated subject in 18th-century Italian religious art, conveying themes of suffering and religious devotion.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the work features dark, swirling lines, deep shadows, and sharp contrasts, characteristic of the late Baroque or Rococo period, evoking movement, tension, and strong emotions.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1755, the print aligns with the late Baroque to Rococo transition in Italy, though specific ownership or exhibition histories are not detailed here.

Context

Part of a broader artistic tradition, it reflects the period's emphasis on dramatic religious narratives, common in both Baroque and Rococo art.

Legacy

As a work by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, it contributes to the Tiepolo family's artistic legacy, though its individual impact or influence on subsequent art movements is not specified.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.