Who painted Profile of an Old Man with a Beard?

Profile of an Old Man with a Beard was painted by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo in 1756.

Where can I see Profile of an Old Man with a Beard?

Profile of an Old Man with a Beard is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Profile of an Old Man with a Beard?

Profile of an Old Man with a Beard is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Profile of an Old Man with a Beard?

Museum-quality prints of Profile of an Old Man with a Beard are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Profile of an Old Man with a Beard

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo , 1756

Profile of an Old Man with a Beard is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo. It dates from 1756 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1756, this etching on laid paper presents a solitary elderly figure rendered in profile.

About this work

Overview

The work exemplifies Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo’s printmaking practice during his collaborative years with his father and brother.

Created circa 1756, this etching on laid paper presents a solitary elderly figure rendered in profile. The subject’s long, flowing beard and wild, curly hair dominate the composition, while his hands are positioned near his head and chest, suggesting a contemplative pose. The work exemplifies Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo’s printmaking practice during his collaborative years with his father and brother.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses on an aged man whose turned head and expressive beard convey a sense of experience and introspection. The gesture of one hand resting on the head and the other near the chest may hint at thoughtfulness or a narrative moment, inviting viewers to consider the figure’s inner life without explicit storytelling.

Technique & Style

Tiepolo employs fine lines and stippling to model the texture of hair and beard, achieving a subtle three‑dimensional effect. The delicate cross‑hatching and dot work on the laid paper surface create tonal variation, while the overall composition remains restrained, highlighting the artist’s skill in translating nuanced surface detail into the print medium.

History & Provenance

The etching originates from a period when Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo worked closely with his father, Giovanni Battista, and his brother, Lorenzo Baldissera, both prominent painters. Produced in the mid‑18th century, the print reflects the family’s shared artistic environment, though specific ownership records after its creation are not documented in the available sources.

Context

During the 1750s, the Tiepolo workshop was a hub of artistic production in Venice, balancing large‑scale frescoes with smaller graphic works. Giovanni Domenico’s prints, including this portrait, demonstrate the era’s interest in intimate, study‑like images that complemented the family’s more monumental paintings, offering a different medium for exploring character and form.

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Artist & collection

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.