Frontispiece, from the Scherzi di Fantasia

The Frontispiece, from the Scherzi di Fantasia is a striking etching created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo between 1738 and 1755. This print serves as the introductory plate for Tiepolo’s celebrated Scherzi di Fantasia (Fantasies or Caprices), a series of highly inventive and often cryptic compositions central to his graphic output. This impression, classified as the first state of two, showcases the expressive use of the etching technique, allowing the Venetian master to achieve dramatic contrasts in light and shadow essential for establishing the mysterious atmosphere of the series.

While the Scherzi lacks a specific overarching narrative, they are unified by a dark, fantastical, and deeply atmospheric mood, characteristic of the 18th-century capriccio genre. In this frontispiece, classical remnants are dramatically juxtaposed with dense natural elements. Tiepolo incorporates symbolic imagery such as large, gnarled trees that frame the scene, and the distinct presence of owls. These motifs contribute to the piece’s sense of enigmatic decay and ancient knowledge. Unlike his grand fresco work, the intimate scale of these prints provided Tiepolo with a crucial space for personal artistic exploration.

Tiepolo’s inventive foray into printmaking cemented his reputation not only as a great painter but also as a highly innovative graphic artist. The enduring appeal of this work, housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ensures its status as a vital document of 18th-century Italian printmaking. As historical prints like this original etching are often available through public domain initiatives, scholars and enthusiasts worldwide can study the distinctive artistry of Tiepolo's celebrated graphic output.