Why was Giovanni Battista Tiepolo known for making drawings and sketches?

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo was a tireless and prodigious sketcher who utilized drawings and sketches as an essential part of his creative process. He was known for using pen and skillful watercolouring to capture the rapid conception of structures and images that he would later execute in his large-scale frescoes and paintings.1

These sketches served as vital tools for planning his complex compositions, allowing him to experiment with form and light before committing to final works. His ability to suggest these ideas with such speed and spirit was a hallmark of his artistic practice, reflecting his reputation as a master of formal invention. Throughout his career, he produced a massive volume of these quick sketches, which are now recognized by critics as a significant component of his artistic legacy.12