Caricature of a Man Holding a Tricorne, Seen from Behind

Caricature of a Man Holding a Tricorne, Seen from Behind by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a vibrant example of the artist's masterful draftsmanship, executed circa 1755-1765 during the artist's mature period. This drawing, categorized as a finished study, is rendered primarily in pen and black ink, combined with a subtle gray wash, showcasing the Italian master’s ability to capture the essence of a man’s character with swift, economical lines.

The man, the singular subject, is viewed almost entirely from the back, lending the drawing an intimate, observational quality. His posture and bulk are defined by the heavy folds of his elaborate 18th-century coat, which are highlighted and shaded effectively through the strategic application of the wash, providing structure and depth. The titular tricorn hat, clutched casually in the man's hand, serves as a key indicator of the era's upper-class fashion.

Tiepolo frequently utilized drawing not just for preparatory studies for his grand frescoes, but also for humorous, character-based works like this caricature, which were often circulated among his private circle or used as compositional training. This genre of observational sketch contrasts sharply with the grand mythological and religious narratives for which Tiepolo is best known, yet it clearly demonstrates his versatile skill in rendering the human figure quickly and accurately. The subtle modeling of the figure through the wash technique is characteristic of late Rococo drawing practices. This distinctive piece resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As this and similar works have entered the public domain, high-quality prints allow broader appreciation of Tiepolo's quick-witted draftsmanship.