Two Magicians and a Child, from the Scherzi

Two Magicians and a Child, from the Scherzi by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a masterful etching created between 1725 and 1780. This significant print belongs to the enigmatic series known as the Scherzi di Fantasia (Fantasies or Caprices), a collection that stands apart from the grand public commissions for which Tiepolo is most famous. Unlike his bright, celestial frescoes, these prints reveal a darker, more intimate exploration of philosophical and esoteric subjects, deeply influenced by the traditions of the Venetian capriccio.

The composition focuses on two robed men, clearly characterized as magicians or ancient scholars, gathered around a point of ritual focus. Their intense concentration suggests the execution of an arcane rite. Nearby, a child stands observing the proceedings, providing an innocent counterpoint to the men's serious pursuits. The scene is further populated by subtle details, including various animals that often carry symbolic weight in such mysterious contexts.

Tiepolo employed etching and drypoint techniques, utilizing strong cross-hatching to achieve dramatic contrasts between light and shadow. This mastery of line gives the print an unsettling, dense atmosphere, emphasizing the secrecy surrounding the activities of the magicians. Produced during the height of the 18th century, these graphic works cement Tiepolo’s legacy not just as a dominant painter of the Venetian Rococo, but also as a highly sophisticated printmaker. This important example of his exploratory genius is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.