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, dating from approximately 1755-1765, is a masterful example of eighteenth-century Venetian draftsmanship. The piece is executed using pen and dark brown ink combined with a subtle brown wash, demonstrating Tiepolo's characteristic fluid and energetic line. This drawing technique allowed the artist to rapidly capture the form and bulk of the subject. The economy of line, particularly visible in the rendering of the voluminous wig and the sharp silhouette of the tricorne hat, effectively defines the man's presence despite the rear view.

As a caricature, the work focuses on exaggerating the distinctive costume and posture of the wealthy men of the era. These highly stylized studies were popular within aristocratic circles, often circulated privately among friends or collected as independent works of art. Tiepolo was renowned for his technical virtuosity, and his drawings, even these quick observational studies, retain a sophisticated, painterly quality. The swift application of the wash adds three-dimensional volume to the figure, highlighting the formal rigidity of the man’s attire and the social constraints indicated by his powdered wig and elegant coat.

The original drawing is classified among the finest works in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s renowned collection of Italian drawings. Due to its age and cultural significance, this celebrated example of European draftsmanship is frequently reproduced; high-quality prints and archival images of the artwork are widely available through various institutional and public domain resources.