Two Astrologers and a Boy, from Scherzi

The etching Two Astrologers and a Boy, from Scherzi by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Italian, 1696–1770, dating from approximately 1735-1740, belongs to the artist's celebrated series of prints known as the Scherzi di fantasia (Fantasies or Caprices). These intimate works contrast sharply with the grand scale of Tiepolo’s famous fresco cycles, showcasing his skill in graphic media. Created in Italy during the height of the Rococo, this piece demonstrates a transitional style merging the dramatic Baroque light with lighter, more imaginative subject matter.

Tiepolo utilized the etching medium on paper to depict a mysterious scene centered around figures of scholarly pursuit and observation. The composition features two bearded men, identifiable as astrologers or philosophers, consulting esoteric materials, perhaps texts or charts, while a young boy observes the proceedings in the foreground. The masterful handling of line and shadow gives the scene an evocative, dreamlike quality characteristic of the Scherzi series, focusing more on mood and atmosphere than on narrative clarity. This work represents the 1696–1770 master’s exploration of unconventional themes, blending the serious pursuit of ancient knowledge with elements of fantasy or the grotesque.

Though primarily renowned for his monumental painting, Tiepolo was a significant figure in European graphic art, producing prints that significantly influenced later generations. This specific impression of Two Astrologers and a Boy, from Scherzi is housed in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historical work of this period, the print is widely recognized as a critical example of eighteenth-century Italian printmaking, often made available through public domain resources for research and study.