Magician pointing out a burning head to two youths, from the Scherzi

Magician pointing out a burning head to two youths, from the Scherzi is an influential etching created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo between 1738 and 1755. This piece belongs to the enigmatic and highly imaginative series of prints known as the Scherzi di fantasia (Caprices or Jokes of the Imagination). Executed using the etching technique, this particular impression represents the first state of two, showcasing Tiepolo’s innovative approach to the printmaking medium and his ability to conjure complex psychological narratives through line work.

The composition centers on a dramatic confrontation. A cloaked figure, clearly identifiable as a Magician, gestures dramatically toward a spectral, flaming Head emerging from the ground or a container. Two younger figures, depicted as a man and a woman, observe the bizarre spectacle with varying expressions of curiosity and apprehension. Unlike his celebrated, luminous fresco cycles, Tiepolo’s Scherzi often depict shadowy gatherings of figures, including soldiers, philosophers, and those engaged in esoteric rites. This subject matter reflects the 18th-century European fascination with the occult, allegory, and the fantastic. The rapid, spontaneous quality of the etching lines enhances the dramatic interplay of light and deep shadow, giving the scene an unsettling intimacy characteristic of the series.

While Tiepolo is best known for his monumental painting, the Scherzi di fantasia collection holds a crucial place in the history of graphic art, demonstrating his equal mastery across different media. These prints, which circulated widely after their creation, solidified Tiepolo’s reputation not only as a great colorist but also as a powerful and inventive draftsman. This specific example of Magician pointing out a burning head to two youths is preserved in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a key illustration of 18th-century Venetian prints. The high-quality reproductions of this masterwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives for study and appreciation.