Tiepolo was born in Venice to a merchant and his wife. His father died the year after he was born, and his mother entrusted him to a painter, Gregorio Lazzarini.

He studied with other painters as well and joined the painters' guild of Venice in 1717, but his first major commission was in 1719. He worked in fresco and oils and also did drawings and etchings. He worked for several years in Bavaria, for the prince-bishop of Würzburg (1750-53), returning to Venice to become director of the Venetian Academy.

In 1762 he and his sons went to Madrid, where he lived for the rest of his life, working on decorations for the palace of King Carlos III and other commissions.

References

Dever, Maria, and Dever, Aileen. Relative Origins: Famous Foster and Adopted People. (Portland: National Book Company, 1992)
Encyclopedia of World Art. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967)
Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia, 1993-97
Christiansen, Keith, et al. Giambattista Tiepolo, 1696-1770. (New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1997)
Levey, Michael. Giambattista Tiepolo: His Life and Art. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1994 reprint)
Gerten, Carol L. and Compton's Encyclopedia Online. "Bio: Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770)." Available at: http://sunsite.auc.dk/cgfa/tiepolo/tiepolo_bio.htm

Indexes

European
Italy
Spain
17th Century
18th Century
Art, Architecture, Planning
Birth or Infancy
Priest, Religious, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Patron, Apprentice Master or Owner
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care
Parent(s) Died, Disappeared or Became Incapacitated