Caricature of a Man Wearing a Wig and a Tricorne, Seen from Behind

"Caricature of a Man Wearing a Wig and a Tricorne, Seen from Behind" by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is an evocative example of 18th-century Italian graphic art, created between 1755 and 1765. Classified as a drawing, the work is executed primarily in pen and black ink, combined with a subtle gray wash. This spontaneous technique was characteristic of Tiepolo’s later output, allowing for sharp, witty delineation of form alongside soft shading, capturing the essence of the subject with minimal effort. This period marks the culmination of the Venetian Rococo, an era where satire and observation of public life became popular subjects for rapid sketches and finished drawings.

The piece focuses entirely on the physical trappings of the subject, who is observed completely from the rear. The man is defined by the imposing mass of his powdered wig, which flows down his back, and the strict, angular silhouette of his tricorne hat. Tiepolo often excelled at transforming everyday figures into exaggerated, humorous types, utilizing caricature to comment on the fashions and pretensions of contemporary society. While the viewer cannot see the man's face, the sheer bulk and carefully rendered posture convey a distinct and perhaps self-important personality, embodying the aristocratic male figure of the mid-eighteenth century.

This sheet highlights Tiepolo's brilliance in the medium of drawing, demonstrating why his preparatory studies and independent works are highly valued today. The work is part of the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is preserved for scholarship and public viewing. As a historical piece now in the public domain, high-quality prints and reproductions of this drawing are widely accessible, allowing broader study of Tiepolo’s unique draftsmanship and his contribution to 18th-century graphic satire.