Folded sheet with "The martyrdom of St Stephen and Agrippina landing in Brindisi with the ashes of Germanicus" 1727 - 1804

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo created this pen and brown ink wash drawing, featuring two distinct scenes on a single sheet of paper. The upper scene depicts the martyrdom of St. Stephen, while the lower portrays Agrippina landing in Brindisi with the ashes of Germanicus. The composition is striking, with dynamic lines and a sense of movement achieved through the contrast of light and shadow. Tiepolo's masterful use of the ink wash creates depth and volume, while his expressive lines convey emotion and drama. The upper scene is crowded and chaotic and through its inverted placement destabilizes the conventional reading of the page. Tiepolo uses line and form to challenge fixed meanings by prompting a comparison between sacred martyrdom and classical narrative, inviting us to contemplate themes of sacrifice, honor, and remembrance. This highlights how his work destabilizes established meanings and engages with new ways of thinking about representation.