Apparition of the Virgin to St Simon Stock 1749

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this oil on canvas painting, titled "Apparition of the Virgin to St Simon Stock," sometime in the 1700s. It is an excellent example of the artist's painterly technique, which really comes down to the rapid application of pigment. Tiepolo was known for his speed, which allowed him to fulfill many commissions. This speed becomes part of the image, evident in the way the figures are modeled. The rapid brushstrokes add energy and movement to the scene. Consider, too, the social context. The Catholic Church was a major patron of the arts, commissioning works to inspire religious devotion. Tiepolo was very good at providing that, but by using his virtuoso skills of production he also made himself a wealthy and sought-after artist. The painting’s meaning extends from its material execution. It isn’t just what is depicted, but how, that gives the work its full power.