Roberto Calasso's 'Tiepolo Pink' Reassesses the 18th-Century Venetian Master

In his 2009 work 'Tiepolo Pink,' Roberto Calasso offers a fresh perspective on Giambattista Tiepolo, an 18th-century Venetian artist often dismissed as merely decorative. Unlike Caravaggio, Tiepolo's legacy has largely been overlooked in modernist discussions, particularly during the decline of the Venetian Republic. Calasso, recognized for his postmodern mythological narratives, explores Tiepolo's limited biography by examining his uncommissioned etchings, namely the Capricci and Scherzi di fantasia, which showcase his connection to esoteric traditions and theatricality. The book also touches on Tiepolo's 1770 painting of the Flight into Egypt. Though some question Calasso's interpretations, the work is celebrated for its eloquent prose and visual insights, including 82 color illustrations. Published by Alfred A. Knopf and translated by Alastair McEwen, it emphasizes Tiepolo's 'Tiepolo pink.'