Two astrologers and a boy, from the Scherzi

"Two astrologers and a boy, from the Scherzi" is a sophisticated etching created by the Venetian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo between 1738 and 1755. This piece belongs to the artist's Scherzi di Fantasia (Caprices of the Imagination), a private series of prints that showcase Tiepolo's advanced mastery of the etching medium. Unlike the expansive, narrative frescos and murals for which he is famous, the Scherzi are intimate and enigmatic, often dealing with themes of magic, occult learning, and classical ruin.

The scene depicts three figures gathered in an atmospheric setting suggestive of esoteric study. Two mature men, likely the titular astrologers, engage intently with a younger boy who gestures or points toward an unseen element central to their discussion. Tiepolo utilizes the etching needle to create highly dramatic effects, employing delicate, sharp lines contrasted with deep, biting shadows characteristic of 18th-century Venetian printmaking. The figures, including the various men and boys featured throughout the series, often appear in exotic or vaguely antique attire, contributing to the feeling of an unexplained ritual or mysterious academic exercise.

Created during a pivotal phase in Tiepolo’s career, these influential Scherzi prints were admired across Europe for their technical skill and visionary content, helping to secure his reputation among collectors and fellow artists. The series moved away from traditional religious subjects, focusing instead on evocative character studies and the dramatic handling of light. This compelling example of an 18th-century Italian print is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving a key element of the artist’s work. As a historically important print, the work is frequently made available for study through public domain collections.