A Shepherd with Two Magicians, from Scherzi

A Shepherd with Two Magicians, from Scherzi is an evocative print created by the Venetian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Italian, 1696–1770, between 1735 and 1740. This highly detailed print, executed as an etching on paper, showcases Tiepolo’s rare yet innovative commitment to graphic arts. Unlike his son Domenico, Tiepolo produced few prints, making the Scherzi (Whims of Fancy) series and the later Capricci highly valued representations of his private draftsmanship and inventive compositions. The etching technique allowed Tiepolo to achieve a remarkable fluidity in the line work and dramatic contrast between light and shadow, essential elements for the fantastical subject matter.

The subject matter is characteristic of the Scherzi series, featuring a mysterious gathering of figures, including the titular shepherd and two cloaked magicians, who appear engaged in an obscure ritual or scholarly discussion amid crumbling classical ruins. Tiepolo employed the expressive visual language of the Italian Baroque and Rococo periods, transforming traditional narrative conventions into elusive, almost dreamlike vignettes. These compositions often defy immediate interpretation, combining exotic figures, classical statuary, and ancient architectural fragments to create an atmosphere of learned curiosity and dark fantasy.

The printmaking skill exhibited by Tiepolo in this work cemented his reputation not only as the foremost fresco painter of his age but also as a master of graphic arts. This significant piece remains an important example of 18th-century prints originating from Italy. Today, works like this are often digitized, placing them within the widely accessible public domain for study and reference. This impression is held in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.