Head of a Philosopher

An elderly sage with a flowing grey beard and a fur-trimmed cap turns his head toward the viewer, painted with quick, dashing strokes and a warm play of light that gives the imaginary portrait a lively, unforced character. The elder Tiepolo had painted a celebrated series of such fanciful philosopher heads in 1757–58, and his son Giandomenico answered with his own group between 1758 and 1764, works whose lighter, more spontaneous touch mark a distinct departure from the father’s grand manner. The picture came to the Art Institute of Chicago in 1945 as a gift of Mrs. Richard E. Danielson and Mrs. Chauncey McCormick. The painting is held in the Art Institute of Chicago.