Scherzo di Fantasia: Seated Warrior Holding a Serpent, and Standing Youth

Scherzo di Fantasia: Seated Warrior Holding a Serpent, and Standing Youth by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a powerful example of 18th-century Venetian draftsmanship, executed late in the artist’s career. The drawing employs pen and brown ink, with the composition built upon a preliminary sketch in black chalk. Tiepolo masterfully applied brushwork using both pale and dark brown wash, allowing him to achieve dramatic contrasts and sculptural definition characteristic of his style. This precise combination of techniques creates a vivid interplay between light and shadow, defining the forms of the figures with dynamic energy.

The term Scherzo di Fantasia (meaning 'caprice' or 'whimsical invention') identifies this work as one of a series of exploratory drawings that Tiepolo produced, reflecting his deep interest in unconventional and sometimes unsettling subjects. The central scene is enigmatic, depicting a formidable seated figure, identified here as a soldier or warrior, cloaked and gazing outward while prominently holding a writhing serpent. Near him stands a youthful figure or boy, observing the main subject. This juxtaposition of soldiers, youths, and the symbolic serpent reflects Tiepolo’s interest in complex psychological themes, setting this piece apart from the grand mythological and religious frescoes for which he is most famous.

As a master draftsman, Tiepolo used the brown wash not merely for shading but to achieve remarkable textural depth and atmospheric effect, emphasizing the expressive potential of ink during the Rococo era. The drawing provides essential insight into the prolific artistic output of the Venetian master. This important piece is classified as a drawing and resides within the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. High-quality prints of this remarkable work are widely accessible through public domain collections, ensuring its continued study and appreciation.