Caricature of a Man Holding a Tricorne, Walking to the Left

"Caricature of a Man Holding a Tricorne, Walking to the Left" is a distinctive drawing by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, executed during the mature period of his career, roughly between 1737 and 1748. Rendered in pen and pale brown ink, this classification of drawing exemplifies Tiepolo’s mastery of swift, economical line work, capturing an immediate and humorous likeness.

The work portrays a large figure, one of many men Tiepolo sketched observing daily Venetian life. The man is shown mid-stride, moving emphatically toward the left, his heavy cloak suggested by minimal but decisive strokes. The composition is dominated by the large, unseen mass of the figure, whose posture and exaggerated profile communicate a specific, almost pompous demeanor, heightened by the presence of the tricorne hat he holds tucked under his arm.

While Tiepolo is primarily celebrated for his monumental frescoes and altarpieces, he, like many Venetian artists, dedicated time to the popular practice of caricature. These drawings served as private exercises or intellectual amusements, contrasting the formality of his public commissions with spontaneous wit and gestural freedom. This piece highlights the artist's ability to imbue mere ink lines with character and movement.

This significant drawing is preserved within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Examples such as this are foundational resources for the study of 18th-century Italian draftsmanship. Due to the historical nature of the piece, high-resolution reproductions of these influential sketches often reside in the public domain, making it possible for collectors and students to acquire detailed prints for personal scholarship and appreciation.