Two Figures Attentive to Punchinello, with Others, from the Scherzi

"Two Figures Attentive to Punchinello, with Others, from the Scherzi" by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a remarkable example of 18th-century graphic art, executed as an etching between 1738 and 1755. This piece belongs to the artist's enigmatic and highly influential series of prints known as the Scherzi di Fantasia (Fantasies or Jokes), which diverge dramatically from his grand decorative fresco commissions by exploring themes of occultism, theatricality, and obscure ceremony.

The subject matter, characteristic of Tiepolo’s highly original printmaking, presents an unsettling assembly of figures surrounding Punchinello, the masked, hook-nosed character borrowed from the Italian Commedia dell’arte. The scene is replete with classical and symbolic elements that heighten the mysterious atmosphere. Gathered men, some carrying Swords, observe the central action, while sculptural fragments, including distinct Male Nudes, stand partially obscured in the background. The sense of arcane ritual is underscored by the presence of animals often associated with dark wisdom: Owls are strategically perched nearby, lending an air of silent scrutiny to the performance.

The work demonstrates Tiepolo’s mastery of the etching medium, utilizing rapid, dynamic lines and varied cross-hatching to create dramatic contrasts between light and shadow. These intricate prints reveal a personal side of the Venetian master, exploring intimate and philosophical concerns late in his career. The piece is classified as a standard print from the mid-18th century and is housed in the comprehensive collection of European drawings and prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a historical work from this period, reproductions of this etching are widely available in the public domain.