Juno and Luna 1735 - 1745

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created this oil on canvas painting, Juno and Luna, sometime in the 18th century. Tiepolo’s masterful use of oil paint is evident in the ethereal rendering of clouds and the luminosity of the goddesses' skin. Oil paint, composed of pigments suspended in drying oil, allowed Tiepolo to achieve a level of detail and realism that was highly valued during the Rococo period. He skillfully layered and blended the paint to create subtle gradations of light and shadow, adding depth and volume to the figures and draperies. The rich pigments available at the time, such as ultramarine blue and vibrant reds, contributed to the painting's opulent aesthetic. The application of oil paint also speaks to the labor involved in creating such a work. Grinding pigments, mixing paints, and applying them with precision required skilled artisans. Understanding the materials, and the labor invested, underscores the artistic achievements of the time.