A Magician, A Soldier, and Three Figures Watching a Burning Skull, from Scherzi

A Magician, A Soldier, and Three Figures Watching a Burning Skull, from Scherzi by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (Italian, 1696–1770), is a powerful example of the artist's masterful graphic work executed between 1735 and 1740. This print, an etching printed in black on paper, illustrates Tiepolo’s skill in achieving dynamic contrasts and atmospheric depth through line work, differentiating these intimate pieces from his grand fresco projects. The subject matter places this composition within the Scherzi di fantasia (Fanciful Caprices) series, a collection known for its enigmatic and often unsettling assemblies of figures focused on esoteric or macabre rituals.

The scene features a curious gathering of characters: a centrally positioned magician or philosopher, a prominently placed helmeted soldier, and three intent onlookers. Their attention is collectively fixed upon a skull placed on a simple pedestal, which appears to be burning or emitting smoke, providing the main source of dramatic illumination. Tiepolo frequently utilized these prints to explore themes of mortality, arcane knowledge, and the grotesque, reflecting an intellectual undercurrent present in mid-18th century Italy.

Tiepolo’s Scherzi are considered among the most inventive prints of the era, showcasing the renowned painter’s dexterity as a printmaker. While often associated primarily with Venetian ceiling paintings, this classification as an Italian print confirms his significant legacy in graphic arts. This striking piece is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars and viewers alike an opportunity to study the artist’s unique approach to fantasy. The lasting influence of works such as A Magician, A Soldier, and Three Figures Watching a Burning Skull ensures their continued prominence, and high-quality images of this key 18th-century work are often available through public domain art initiatives.