Caricature of Two Women Seen From Behind c. late 18th century

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo created this caricature of two women, sometime in the late 18th century, with pen and brown wash over graphite. The artist's method is immediately apparent. The quick, fluid strokes of the pen, combined with the translucent wash, give the image a sense of immediacy. The figures are captured from behind, with the folds and frills of their dresses rendered with an economy of line. Tiepolo was working during a time of huge development of the textile industries, and the fashion and clothing of this time provide many clues about social class. The caricature element comes from the artist's focus on the details of their clothing, and also the artist's eye for the theatrical and the absurd, a talent he honed as a printmaker, which was a booming industry during this period. This artwork isn't just a drawing, it's a social commentary, a glimpse into a world of fashion, labor, and social class. It reminds us that even the simplest materials, like pen and ink, can be used to create art that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.