Caricature of a Man in a Mask and a Tricorne, Standing in Profile to the Left

Caricature of a Man in a Mask and a Tricorne, Standing in Profile to the Left by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a superb example of 18th-century Venetian draftsmanship. This highly characteristic drawing, executed using pen and brown ink combined with expressive brown wash, captures a figure typical of the high Rococo period. The subject, a man depicted in sharp profile, wears a distinctive black mask, perhaps a bauta or similar disguise, paired with a large, fashionable tricorne hat that dominates his silhouette. Tiepolo utilizes the inherent exaggeration of the caricature style, reducing the figure to a few essential, dynamic lines that convey both humor and social observation.

Dating to the period 1755-1765, the work reflects the deeply ingrained culture of public masking prevalent in Venice, where disguises allowed anonymity and fostered a unique social dynamic, especially during the extensive Carnival season. The work showcases the artist’s renowned technical mastery. Tiepolo was celebrated for his rapid and skillful handling of wash to create form and shadow, a technique strikingly evident here in the rich washes that provide depth and volume to the cloak and the elaborate hat.

As a leading figure in the Venetian school, Tiepolo’s graphic works are vital documents of his observational skill and artistic versatility. While known primarily for his monumental frescoes and oil paintings, this smaller-scale drawing confirms his brilliance in pure line work. This detailed study of men in masks is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a key reference for understanding 18th-century European drawings and the artistic practice of one of Italy’s last great Baroque masters.