Three figures and a snake coiled around a staff, surrounded by a landscape, the central figure rests his left hand on a shield and leans toward a bearded figure holding a book, from "The Capricci"

Three figures and a snake coiled around a staff, surrounded by a landscape, the central figure rests his left hand on a shield and leans toward a bearded figure holding a book, from "The Capricci," is an exceptional etching by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Created during the period between 1705 and 1770, this print belongs to Tiepolo’s celebrated series of fantastical and allegorical images known collectively as The Capricci. This collection showcases the Venetian master’s skill not only in monumental fresco and oil painting, but also in the delicate yet powerful execution of the etched line, establishing him as a major figure in 18th-century Italian printmaking.

The composition is characteristic of Tiepolo's spontaneous and imaginative approach, combining elements of classical ruins and dramatic genre elements within a stark landscape setting. The grouping of men and women focuses attention on the central figure, a robust man resting his hand on a prominent shield, dominating the foreground. He leans toward a bearded scholar holding a large book, perhaps referencing philosophy or ancient knowledge, while a staff with a coiled snake introduces a complex symbolic element often associated with medicine or esoteric wisdom. Tiepolo masterfully utilizes the etching medium to define contours and create intense contrasts of light and shadow, giving the figures a sense of immediacy and depth. This striking work is part of the distinguished collection of prints held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for scholars. As a classic example of 18th-century Italian prints, the image, taken from the series The Capricci, is frequently referenced in art history and is available through public domain initiatives.