Satyr Family with the Obelisk, from the Scherzi

Satyr Family with the Obelisk, from the Scherzi by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, is a masterful example of 18th-century Italian printmaking. Executed between 1738 and 1755, this etching belongs to the artist's celebrated series known as the Scherzi di Fantasia (Fantasies or Caprices), a collection of experimental prints that showcase Tiepolo’s imaginative approach to genre scenes and mythological groupings.

In this particular composition, Tiepolo presents a nocturnal, evocative image centered around a family of satyrs. A muscular male satyr observes a partially draped female nude reclining near him, while infants, presumably their offspring, populate the shadowy foreground. The scene is dominated by the colossal presence of a towering obelisk, which lends a sense of ancient mystery and grand scale to the fantastical setting. This fusion of mythological figures with ruins and classical architecture is characteristic of the series, demonstrating Tiepolo’s skill in using the etching needle to create rich tonal variations and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow.

As a leading figure in Venetian painting during the Rococo period, Tiepolo utilized the print medium not merely for reproduction but as an independent creative outlet. The Scherzi, unlike some of his large-scale fresco commissions, offered him freedom to explore esoteric and expressive themes, blending the classical past with contemporary whimsy. This important print remains an enduring document of his graphic genius, solidifying his reputation beyond the canvas. This specific impression of Satyr Family with the Obelisk, from the Scherzi is held in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.