How did Venetian painters rediscover luminosity during the 1730s?

During the 1730s, Venetian painters rediscovered and elevated luminosity by moving away from the dark, dramatic contrasts of the Late Baroque style toward a brighter, more vibrant aesthetic.12

Key developments in this transition included:

• Departure from Chiaroscuro: Artists like Giovanni Battista Tiepolo began abandoning the heavy chiaroscuro—the strong use of light and shadow—that characterized his earlier works. By the time he executed the frescoes at the Palazzo Arcivescovile of Udine, he had significantly brightened his color palette while maintaining structural integrity.2
• Influence of Predecessors: The movement was supported by the work of Giuseppe Maria Crespi, whose sincere and immediate style provided a foundation for the Venetian flowering of the period. Additionally, Sebastiano Ricci introduced a brilliant lightness and vivacity in his frescoes, marking the start of a new decorative tradition.1
• Innovation in Technique: Painters increasingly utilized bold brushwork and airy compositions. For instance, Tiepolo’s work in the 1730s, such as the decorations at the Cappella Colleoni, featured innovative, airy landscape backgrounds that contributed to a sense of light and space.2

This shift toward dazzling color and spirit defined the Venetian school during the 18th century, distinguishing it from the academic classicism dominant in other regions.12