Reception of Monks at a City Gate 1696 - 1770

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created this drawing, ‘Reception of Monks at a City Gate’, using pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite. The composition is divided into distinct zones: to the left, a procession of monks approaches; to the right, a group waits near a city gate. Tiepolo's use of line varies in thickness and intensity, creating depth and texture. Notice the hatching and cross-hatching, particularly in the monks' robes and the architectural elements. These techniques give a sense of volume and shadow, drawing the eye through the scene. The open arms of some figures serve as visual vectors, inviting engagement and guiding our gaze across the artwork. The use of brown ink and wash adds a layer of tonal complexity. The drawing captures a moment of transition and encounter, its formal elements working together to invite viewers into a contemplative space, characteristic of Tiepolo’s approach to narrative and composition.