Half-dressed Nymph with two children, surrounded by four men, from the Scherzi

Half-dressed Nymph with two children, surrounded by four men, from the Scherzi is a striking etching created by the Venetian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, dating from the active printmaking period between 1738 and 1755. This work is part of the artist's celebrated Scherzi di Fantasia (Fantasies or Caprices), a series of prints where Tiepolo moved away from his monumental fresco style to explore deeply personal, enigmatic, and often arcane themes. The medium of etching allowed him the freedom to experiment with complex visual narratives and atmospheric effects far removed from the public scrutiny of his large-scale commissions.

The composition features a half-dressed Nymph figure positioned centrally, accompanied by two small children. Their presence is contrasted sharply by the four imposing men who surround them, their postures suggesting contemplation or mysterious ritual. Tiepolo expertly utilized the graphic nature of the print medium, employing delicate, yet powerful, lines and cross-hatching to define the volumes of the figures and establish dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. The subjects-matter, including classical Nymphs, the interaction between children and adults, and the presence of men in quasi-orientalized or scholarly garb, reflects the fascination with the esoteric that permeated mid-18th century Italian art.

The Scherzi are considered masterpieces of 18th-century graphic art, representing the height of Tiepolo's graphic invention. Unlike the grand, narrative sweep of his paintings, this series delves into obscure, dream-like settings often hinting at allegories of magic, astrology, or archaeological ruin. This particular print provides valuable insight into the imaginative processes of the artist. As an important example of public domain printmaking, this work is permanently housed within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.