Artwork

The Holy Family Passes under a City Arch

The Holy Family Passes under a City Arch, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, ink, 1753
The Holy Family Passes under a City Arch, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, ink, 1753

The Holy Family Passes under a City Arch is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo. It dates from 1753 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo's 1753 etching, *The Holy Family Passes under a City Arch*, captures a serene religious moment in a cityscape. The print showcases Tiepolo's skill in combining religious themes with everyday settings, characteristic of his work as an Italian painter and printmaker.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts the Holy Family traversing beneath a monumental city arch, surrounded by onlookers in long robes, some with staffs. The scene conveys a sense of reverence and daily life intersecting, though the specific religious narrative is subtly integrated into the urban backdrop.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the work demonstrates Tiepolo's mastery of printmaking techniques, likely influenced by his family's artistic traditions. The use of line and shadow creates depth, from the textured stone arch to the distant cityscape, showcasing his ability to balance detail and atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1753 by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, son of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and brother of Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo, this etching reflects the artistic lineage of the Tiepolo family during the 18th century. Provenance details are not specified in available information.

Context

While often associated with the broader themes of Romanticism due to its emotional and imaginative elements, the etching's style and period (1753) more accurately align with the Baroque to Rococo transition in Italian art, emphasizing elegance and everyday life.

Legacy

*The Holy Family Passes under a City Arch* contributes to the Tiepolo family's legacy in capturing religious themes within secular contexts. Its impact lies in showcasing Giovanni Domenico's individual contribution to the family's artistic output and the evolution of printmaking in 18th-century Italy.

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.