The Discovery of the Tomb of Punchinello, from Scherzi

The Discovery of the Tomb of Punchinello, from Scherzi by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Italian, 1696–1770, is a masterful example of eighteenth-century Italian printmaking. Created between 1735 and 1740, this piece is an etching printed in black on paper. The medium of etching allowed Tiepolo to achieve rapid, expressive lines and dramatic tonal contrasts, differentiating this series from the large-scale ceiling frescoes and oil paintings for which the artist is primarily known. This print belongs to a suite of 23 etchings known as the Scherzi di fantasia (Caprices or Jokes of the Imagination).

The Scherzi are characteristic of the Venetian Rococo period in Italy, showcasing Tiepolo’s highly intellectual interest in the mysterious and the macabre, rather than focusing on traditional religious or historical narratives. Unlike preparatory sketches, the etchings appear to have been conceived as independent works, reflecting the artist’s deep engagement with print media as a mature art form. The subject matter here-the discovery of the tomb of the commedia dell’arte character Punchinello-merges classical ruin settings with esoteric or fantastical figures. This juxtaposition of ancient ruins and theatrical farce creates a sense of enigmatic drama that is typical of the entire series.

As a leading figure in 18th-century European art, Tiepolo’s innovative approach to prints influenced subsequent generations of Italian and European artists. The high quality and detail present in this work cemented its status as one of the most important prints of the period. This important piece of Italian graphic art, The Discovery of the Tomb of Punchinello, is classified as a significant print and is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.