Two magicians and two boys, from the Scherzi

Two magicians and two boys, from the Scherzi by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a masterful example of 18th-century Venetian printmaking. Executed between 1738 and 1755, this work is an etching, specifically documented as the first state of two, highlighting the artist's initial vision and technical control. The piece is classified as a print and resides in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The etching belongs to Tiepolo’s renowned series, the Scherzi di Fantasia (Caprices of Fantasy), a suite of spontaneous and atmospheric prints characterized by mysterious, theatrical subjects and ruins. The composition centers on a group of figures, typically featuring imposing older men identified as magicians or philosophers, accompanied by younger boys. These individuals are often depicted engaging in esoteric practices or complex conversations, placed against dramatic, loosely defined backdrops. Tiepolo masterfully utilizes the etched line to create deep shadow and texture, lending the scene an air of intrigue typical of 18th-century Venetian imaginative themes.

While Tiepolo is perhaps best known for his immense fresco cycles, his output of fine-art prints, like those in the Scherzi, offers a unique insight into his rapid draftsmanship and experimentation with light and shadow. The series showcases a more private, esoteric side of the artist's imagination, contrasting with his grand mythological commissions. As an important piece from The Met’s print collection, this work contributes significantly to understanding the graphic arts of the late Baroque and early Rococo period. Today, high-resolution images of these historic prints often enter the public domain, allowing broader scholarly and public access to the genius of the Venetian master.