Isabella Flores
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo's painting 'The Investiture of Bishop Harold as Duke of Franconia' was created between 1751 and 1752. The oil painting, which measures 28 1/4 x 20 1/4 inches, is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The artwork depicts an important historical event that took place in 1168, when Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa invested Harold of Hochheim, Bishop of Würzburg, with the title of Duke of Franconia. This event held significance for the prince-bishop's successor, Prince Bishop von Greiffenklau, who commissioned Tiepolo to decorate the dining room and main staircase of the Residenz in Würzburg. Tiepolo's masterpiece showcases his genius in elevating the informal oil sketch to a primary art form, celebrated for its imaginative fusion of ancient history, myth, and sacred legends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Giovanni Battista Tiepolo |
| Date | ca. 1751–52 |
| Dimensions | 28 1/4 x 20 1/4 in. (71.8 x 51.4 cm) |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Style | Rococo |
| Collection | The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
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What You'll Learn
Giambattista Tiepolo was a Venetian painter and printmaker
Giambattista Tiepolo, also known as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, was a Venetian painter and printmaker. He is considered one of the greatest painters of eighteenth-century Europe, and his work is celebrated for its imaginative, decorative, and theatrical qualities.
Tiepolo was born in Venice in 1696 and began his artistic career in 1716 when he painted his first fresco on the ceiling of a church in Biadene, near Treviso. He was trained by Gregorio Lazzarini, a successful painter with an eclectic style, and was also influenced by other contemporary artists such as Sebastiano Ricci, Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, and Federico Bencovich. Tiepolo's art style is mainly considered Rococo, and he is regarded as the first master of the Grand Manner.
Tiepolo's work can be found in various locations across Italy, Germany, and Spain. He painted frescoes for churches in Venice, villas and palaces in Italy, the Residenz in Würzburg, Germany, and the Palacio Real in Madrid, Spain. One of his most notable works is the ceiling fresco in the dining room of the Residenz, known as the Kaisersaal, which he painted between 1750 and 1753. The fresco depicts Apollo and the continents, with the Olympian gods inhabiting a light-filled sky.
In addition to his frescoes, Tiepolo also created oil sketches, altarpieces, and paintings on canvas. He was prolific and successful throughout his career, and his work continues to be celebrated and exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide.
One of Tiepolo's notable works is "The Investiture of Bishop Harold as Duke of Franconia", which he painted around 1751-1752. This oil sketch was created in preparation for a fresco in the prince-bishop's palace in Würzburg, Germany. The sketch depicts Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa investing Harold of Hochheim, Bishop of Würzburg, with the dukedom of Franconia in 1168. The final fresco was signed and dated by Tiepolo in 1752.
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The painting is oil on canvas
The painting "The Investiture of Bishop Harold as Duke of Franconia" is indeed oil on canvas. It was painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, a Venetian artist, in the period 1751–1752. The painting was purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1871 and is currently part of its collection.
Tiepolo's masterpiece is a sketch or modello relating to the Investiture scene, which was painted on the north side of the dining room in the prince-bishop's palace in Würzburg, Germany. The room is now known as the Kaisersaal. The sketch is a study for the final fresco, which was signed and dated by Tiepolo in 1752.
The painting depicts an important historical event: in 1168, Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa gave Harold of Hochheim, Bishop of Würzburg, the title of Duke of Franconia. This event would have been significant to commemorate for the prince-bishop's successor, Prince Bishop von Greiffenklau.
Tiepolo was a master of the Grand Manner, and his art celebrates the imagination by transposing the world of ancient history, myth, scriptures, and sacred legends into a grandiose, theatrical language. His use of oil sketches as a primary art form raised their status to that of finished paintings.
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It was purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1871
The magnificent painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, "The Investiture of Bishop Harold," has a notable history, with its journey eventually leading to its esteemed place in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This renowned museum, located in the heart of New York City, acquired the masterpiece in 1871, marking a significant addition to its growing collection of European art.
The acquisition of "The Investiture of Bishop Harold" by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to as The Met, occurred during a period of expansion for the institution. Founded in 1870, the museum was in its infancy when the painting was purchased just a year later. This early acquisition demonstrated the museum's commitment to assembling a diverse and exceptional collection, showcasing artistic masterpieces from a variety of cultures and historical periods.
The painting, created by Tiepolo in the 1750s, depicts a significant event in history—the investiture of Bishop Harold as the Bishop of Winchester in the early 11th century. Tiepolo's masterful use of color, light, and composition brings this historical moment to life, highlighting the grandeur and solemnity of the occasion. The Met's acquisition of this artwork recognized its artistic merit and historical significance, reflecting the museum's dedication to preserving and celebrating exceptional artistic achievements.
By purchasing "The Investiture of Bishop Harold," the Metropolitan Museum of Art not only enriched its own collection but also contributed to the appreciation and understanding of Tiepolo's work. The painting has since become a highlight of the museum's extensive European art section, attracting art enthusiasts, historians, and visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and immerse themselves in the story it tells.
The year 1871 was a pivotal one for The Met, as it laid the foundation for its future growth and reputation as one of the world's leading art institutions. The addition of Tiepolo's masterpiece to its walls was a testament to the museum's discerning eye for artistic excellence and its dedication to making great art accessible to a wide audience. Today, "The Investiture of Bishop Harold" continues to captivate viewers, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend time and space.
This painting has undoubtedly contributed to the cultural fabric of New York City and has played a role in establishing The Met as a premier destination for those seeking to explore and appreciate the very best that the art world has to offer.
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The painting depicts Bishop Harold of Hochheim being invested as Duke of Franconia by Emperor Frederick I
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, arguably the greatest painter of 18th-century Europe, created the oil sketch "The Investiture of Bishop Harold as Duke of Franconia" in c. 1751-52. The painting depicts Bishop Harold of Hochheim being invested as Duke of Franconia by Emperor Frederick I, also known as Barbarossa, in 1168.
Tiepolo's sketch is part of a group of paintings purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1871. The painting was first documented in the 1830 exhibition catalogue of the collection of English dealer Richard Abraham, where it was described as representing "the presentation of banners, after a conquest, to one of the Roman Emperors, who is seated on his throne under a triumphal arch".
In 1750, Tiepolo was commissioned by Prince Bishop Karl Philipp von Greiffenklau to decorate the dining room and main staircase of the Residenz in Würzburg, Germany. In the dining room, now known as the Kaisersaal, Tiepolo painted three scenes from the life of Emperor Frederick I. On the ceiling, he depicted Apollo Conducting Beatrice of Burgundy to Frederick I, on the south side, he painted the Wedding of Frederick I and Beatrice of Burgundy, and on the north side, he painted the Investiture of Bishop Harold. The final fresco was signed and dated by Tiepolo in 1752.
The Investiture of Bishop Harold as Duke of Franconia is an important historical event that helped to celebrate and legitimize the region's rulers. The painting is a study for the fresco in the Kaisersaal of the Residenz in Würzburg, and it represents an episode from the life of Emperor Frederick I.
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The fresco was completed in 1752
The fresco "The Investiture of Bishop Harold as Duke of Franconia" was completed in 1752 by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The painting depicts Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa investing Harold of Hochheim, Bishop of Würzburg, with the dukedom of Franconia. This event took place in 1168 and the fresco was created to decorate the dining room, now known as the Kaisersaal, of the prince-bishop's palace in Würzburg, present-day Germany.
Tiepolo was a Venetian painter who is considered one of the greatest artists of 18th-century Europe. He was known for his frescoed ceilings in churches, villas, and palaces across Italy, Germany, and Spain. The Investiture of Bishop Harold is one of his most renowned works, and it is a fresco, a painting technique where pigment is applied to wet lime plaster.
The completion of the fresco in 1752 marks a significant moment in Tiepolo's career. By this time, he had already established himself as a master of the Grand Manner, celebrating the imagination through his art by transposing ancient history, myth, scriptures, and sacred legends into grandiose and theatrical scenes. His works often demonstrated a brilliant use of costumed splendour, celebrating artistic caprice and fantasy.
The Investiture of Bishop Harold is a testament to Tiepolo's skill and creativity, and its completion in 1752 adds to the rich artistic heritage of the 18th century. The fresco continues to be admired and studied, with its oil sketch, dated 1751-1752, also recognised as a significant work of art in its own right.
The year 1752 was a pivotal one for Tiepolo, as it marked the culmination of his work on the prince-bishop's palace in Würzburg. This period, between 1750 and 1753, is considered the high point of his career, with the frescoes in the palace being some of his most impressive creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo painted The Investiture of Bishop Harold as Duke of Franconia in 1751-52.
The painting is currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The painting is 28 1/4 x 20 1/4 in (71.8 x 51.4 cm).
The painting depicts the investiture of Bishop Harold of Hochheim, Bishop of Würzburg, as Duke of Franconia by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in 1168.
