Rinaldo and Armida 1753

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo made this oil on canvas painting, Rinaldo and Armida, in the 18th century. Tiepolo's virtuosity with paint is what makes this work so compelling. Observe how he uses thin, translucent glazes to create luminous skin tones, and thick impasto to render the rich textures of the drapery. The artist’s rapid brushwork captures a sense of fleeting movement and spontaneity, which was a distinct characteristic of the Rococo style. The canvas, a woven fabric stretched over a wooden frame, provided a stable surface for Tiepolo to work on. Each layer of paint had to be carefully applied and allowed to dry, requiring patience and skill. The artist's mastery of materials and techniques elevates this painting beyond mere representation, and offers a glimpse into the world of 18th-century artistic production. Ultimately, it’s through material exploration and skillful execution that Tiepolo achieved such a captivating and lasting work of art, challenging any strict separation of craft and fine art.