Study of a Garden Sculpture; Iole 1727 - 1804

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo created this study of a garden sculpture in pen and brown wash, a technique that allowed for nuanced shading. Tiepolo was working in the 18th century, a period deeply invested in classical ideals and aesthetics. Here, we see Iole, a figure from Greek mythology, depicted in a way that balances classical poise with a softer, more human vulnerability. The original sculpture and Tiepolo’s drawing reflect the male gaze prevalent during this era, where female subjects were often idealized. However, by focusing on a sculpture within a garden setting, Tiepolo subtly complicates this narrative. The garden, often associated with themes of sensuality and pleasure, adds another layer to our understanding of Iole. Her pose, seemingly caught between modesty and display, invites us to consider the complex ways in which women were seen and portrayed in the art of the time. Tiepolo’s Study of a Garden Sculpture; Iole, challenges us to consider how the emotional and the idealized intersect.