Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727-1804), Circle of - Kopf eines Orientalen Venedig - NO RESERVE

Large-format “Head of an Oriental” by an Venetian painter of the 18th century, executed in oil on canvas.

The impressive character portrait depicts a bearded man in three-quarter view. The broad white ruff, the strongly red mantle, and the dramatic lighting give the depiction a representative effect. The subject, color palette, and staging are in the immediate tradition of Venetian painting of the 18th century and of the well-known heads from the circle of the Tiepolo family.

The composition corresponds to the work attributed to Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (Venice 1727–1804) “Head of an Oriental Man” or “Kopf eines Orientalen,” created around 1758.

The documented comparison painting was offered at Sotheby’s London on 21 April 1993 in the auction “Old Master Paintings,” sale code LUPIN, as Lot 52.

Particularly noteworthy is the almost complete agreement of the dimensions:

Current painting: approx. 75 × 57 cm
Sotheby’s documented work: 75.5 × 57.5 cm

In addition to the measurements, the subject, composition, head position, clothing, and color scheme align closely with the documented work. The painting is therefore offered as a Venetian work of the 18th century from the circle of or after Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo.

Artist circle: Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo
School: Venetian School
Dating: probably 18th century
Subject: Head of an Oriental Man
Medium: Oil on canvas
Canvas size: approx. 75 × 57 cm
Overall size with frame: approx. 104 × 83 cm

The painting is housed in an elaborately worked, gilded and partially pierced splendid frame with a sculpted acanthus and tendril ornament.

Analysis of the visual condition

Picture surface:

The oil surface appears overall intact and secure. In the present photographs there are no flaking or active losses of the paint layer evident. The paint layer shows a distinctly pronounced, age-related deterioration in the top condition, which corresponds to the historical appearance of the work.

Canvas and stretchers:

The canvas shows a noticeably aged material structure. The reverse fastenings, historical nails, and stretchers show recognizable signs of age and use. The canvas appears overall stretched and stable.

Frame:

The richly decorated, gilded frame is in decorative, age-appropriate top condition. No abrasions, no losses, no tension cracks, and no age-related changes in the gilding are visible. These marks emphasize the historical character of the ensemble.

Reference:

Sotheby’s London, “Old Master Paintings,” 21 April 1993, sale code LUPIN, Lot 52: Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, “Head of an Oriental Man,” Oil on canvas, 75.5 × 57.5 cm.