The New World

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727–1804), an Italian painter, printmaker, and a draftsman, was born in Venice. As the eldest son of the renowned Rococo artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, he received his major training under him ever since he was a youngster and even helped him with big commissions in Venice, Würzburg, Vicenza, and Madrid. After his father passed away in 1770, he returned to Venice and somehow moulded his own artistic identity. Even though he was influenced by his father’s decorative approach, Giovanni became better known for genre scenes, religious topics, and scenes that looked like everyday Venetian life. His imaginative series with Pulcinella from the commedia dell’arte is still among his most original and praised contributions in 18th century art. Domenico Tiepolo worked mainly within the Rococo movement, a movement usually described as elegant, airy, light colours, full of ornament, where the compositions feel effortless. One can still see that Rococo grandeur in his earlier works, however later on the paintings turned more naturalistic and satirical. They were mostly focused on regular folk, dry humour, and real daily routines, rather than leaning only on mythological or allegorical ideas. Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo created his famous genre painting “Il Mondo Nuovo” (The New World) during the year 1791. The artwork shows common Venetian citizens who watch the mondo nuovo peep-show attraction that allows viewers explore distant locations and create imaginary scenes through its optical devices. The audience showing their backs create a sense of mystery about what they find so fascinating. The unusual composition leads the viewers’ focus on human curiosity and group experiences. The artwork draws its inspiration from Venice's daily life which Domenico used to capture society through his humorous yet realistic and slightly sarcastic style. The artwork belongs to the Rococo style because of its refined technique and elegant color scheme yet it presents a more personal and observational approach than the large decorative paintings created by his father. Today, "Il Mondo Nuovo" stands as a delightful depiction of Venetian life during the 18th century while it also presents an intelligent analysis about human desire for amusement and the closing days of an entire historical period.