Two Magicians with Two Boys, from Scherzi

Two Magicians with Two Boys, from Scherzi is a compelling etching by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Italian, 1696–1770, created between 1735 and 1740. This print, executed in black ink on paper, showcases Tiepolo’s innovative approach to graphic arts alongside his prolific career as a monumental painter in Italy. The piece belongs to the famed Scherzi di Fantasia (Fantasies, or Caprices), a loosely structured series characterized by esoteric, often theatrical, figures engaged in mysterious rituals.

Consistent with the Capriccio tradition popular in eighteenth-century Italian art, the scene depicted in the print is dense with shadowy atmosphere and enigmatic activity. Two cloaked figures, presumably the magicians, are shown interacting with two younger boys, possibly acolytes, in a landscape dominated by broken classical architecture and obscure symbols. Tiepolo's sophisticated handling of light and shadow, achieved through varied etching techniques, brings dramatic volume to the figures and depth to the fantastical setting. This work demonstrates the Venetian artist’s skill in circulating his imaginative compositions via portable prints.

The complete collection of these fantastical compositions represents a significant output from Tiepolo's graphic work. This specific impression is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a key example of mid-18th-century Italian printmaking, Two Magicians with Two Boys, from Scherzi remains a frequently studied image, often made available for educational use through public domain resources.