Artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (Italian, August 30, 1727–March 3, 1804)
Title The Education of the Virgin
Series A New Testament
Date 1786–1790
Medium Brown ink and wash over black chalk on paper
Dimensions Image: 18 1/8 x 14 1/4 in. (46.04 x 36.2 cm)
Sheet: 18 7/8 x 15 in. (47.94 x 38.1 cm)
Framed: 29 3/4 x 25 5/8 x 2 in. (75.57 x 65.09 x 5.08 cm)
Credit Line The Anthony Moravec Collection of Old Master Drawings, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 2010.112
About this Work
The son of the famous Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Domenico was also a noted draftsman. His graphic style, more earthbound and rooted in observation than his father’s, bears his distinctive trembling line quality. Domenico worked in serial narratives, including his New Testament cycle, numbering at least 320 sheets. This image is one of twelve drawings from this important series in Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art’s collection (Eskenazi Museum of Art 2010.111-.122). By combining narrative elements from a variety of literary sources with details of daily life, Domenico brought new life to these biblical stories.
Though not mentioned in known literature, Anna teaching Mary to read has a strong visual tradition. Domenico Tiepolo’s drawing shows the lesson taking place in the corner of Joachim and Anna’s house where little Mary stands by Anna’s knee, pointing to a line in the text. Anna, tenderly embracing her daughter, is attended by her angels, some kneeling in veneration. Joachim, seen from behind, raises his hands in prayerful thanksgiving for God’s great gift.
