Shepherd with Two Magicians, from "Scherzi"

Shepherd with Two Magicians, from "Scherzi" is a pivotal etching created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo between 1733 and 1767. This print, executed using the demanding technique of etching, showcases the Venetian artist’s profound skill outside the monumental fresco painting for which he is most renowned. The Scherzi di Fantasia (Caprices or Jokes of the Imagination), from which this work originates, is considered one of the most important series of 18th-century Italian prints. The piece is classified as a print and currently resides in the respected collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met).

The composition features a contemplative gathering centered around a figure identifiable as a shepherd, who observes two mysterious magicians engaged in arcane activity. Characteristic of the Scherzi series, the atmosphere is enigmatic and imbued with classical ruins and dense, shadowy trees, establishing an almost theatrical setting. Tiepolo masterfully utilizes the stark contrast inherent in etching to define the forms, employing deep shadows and meticulous line work to render the textured drapery and the diverse group of animals included in the scene.

Unlike his large-scale religious and mythological canvases, these intimate works allowed Tiepolo to explore fantastical subjects divorced from specific narrative mandates, prioritizing atmosphere and psychological depth. This particular sheet exemplifies the transition from the dramatic Baroque aesthetic to the lighter sensibilities of the Rococo era, capturing Tiepolo’s unique blend of the serious and the satirical. The series remains highly influential among printmakers and art historians. As the original work is securely held in The Met's collection, high-resolution images and prints of this key piece of 18th-century art are often made available through public domain resources, ensuring its continued study and appreciation.