The Rape of Europa 1722

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this painting, The Rape of Europa, with oil paints, brushes, and canvas. Tiepolo's artistic process reflects the hierarchies of his time, from the sourcing of raw pigments to the division of labor within his workshop. The rich colors were created through skilled craftsmanship, grinding and mixing pigments from various sources. The canvas itself, stretched taut and primed, provided a structured support for the artist's vision. In viewing The Rape of Europa, it is impossible not to see the intense amount of labour in creating this piece. Assistants would have prepared the canvas and mixed paints, while Tiepolo himself executed the composition. This hierarchy, embedded within the very process of its creation, mirrors the social structures of 18th century Europe. Through understanding the historical context and materials of this piece, we can gain a richer understanding of the artwork.