“Allegory of the Planets and Continents” is a remarkable oil on canvas painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, completed in 1752 in Würzburg, Germany. This artwork, which embodies the Rococo art movement, measures 185 x 139 cm and falls under the genre of allegorical painting. It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a grand and intricate scene filled with mythological and allegorical figures. The central part of the composition is dominated by dynamic, cloud-filled skies, with various characters mounted on chariots and mythical creatures, seemingly engaged in celestial activities. The painting is framed by an ornate border decorated with sculptural elements, contributing to its dramatic and opulent appearance. The overall composition is alive with movement and emotion, characteristic of Tiepolo’s style and the Rococo era’s emphasis on lightness, elegance, and exuberant decoration.
