Three Chinoiseries 1767

Curator: This is one of a series of drawings attributed to Giovanni Battista Tiepolo titled "Three Chinoiseries," part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Oh, my first thought is that it's surprisingly understated. Very airy, minimal—a gentle snapshot, really. Curator: Indeed. The composition displays a distinct horizontal orientation, emphasizing the narrative unfolding linearly across the picture plane. The monochromatic palette further accentuates form. Editor: It’s interesting how the figures almost float on the page. A study in the exotic, filtered through a European lens. But I wonder, is there any real understanding of the East here, or is it just a fantasy? Curator: The piece engages with the 18th-century European fascination with the East, presenting what some might critique as an orientalist perspective. Its cultural interpretation warrants deeper contemplation. Editor: Well, whatever its failings, its lightness of touch is remarkable. Curator: Precisely. It’s an engaging work to consider from stylistic and cultural standpoints. Editor: A lovely piece to muse upon, thank you.