Nicole Page-Smith
A European light
Time sits in the foreground contemplating the young Venus and you wonder if an older Tiepolo is contemplating his wife or his own life. The god Time and other suggestions in the painting speak of an education. Often personal information is not expressed and the paintings are a fashionable understanding of popular styles of their day. However, the allegory of the god Time and his wheel talk of old age and fate, the "earth and the water". Tiepolo at the same time as painting "An Allegory with Venus and Time" (1754-1758) was director of the Accademia in Venice. The Venus hardly represents a woman known to the artist and you feel with most Italian painters, you could not understand their marital status. Although, perhaps a commission and possibly an unimportant, Tiepolo, all his works carry the same atmospheric spirit. You are reminded of Venice and the water reflected on the clouds. The technique of fresco painting could encourage the depth of the quality and faster drying. Tiepolo was a competent draftsperson and worked with an outline, sketch, you could imagine being filled in with paint. The light then, seems to resonate. Vulcan was the husband of Venus and you are reminded of fiery sunsets taking us to the twilight years although, the painting appears to be painted inside. Hours could have past and you wonder in 18th century Venice if commercial studios were in the basement for although the presumed ceiling painting works as an easel painting and the use of mirrors could easily achieve the desired effect, if the painting was painted in situ. The light of the artist would reflect and evoke the spirit. A European light.
