Young shepherdess and old man with a monkey, from the Scherzi

Young shepherdess and old man with a monkey, from the Scherzi by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is a masterful example of 18th-century Italian etching. Created between 1738 and 1755, this print belongs to the celebrated series known as the Scherzi di Fantasia (Caprices of Fantasy). Unlike his famous grand fresco commissions, the etching medium allowed Tiepolo to explore intimate, ambiguous, and often whimsical subjects using delicate yet energetic lines. These fantastic compositions significantly influenced later graphic artists.

The scene is highly characteristic of the Scherzi, combining seemingly realistic figures with enigmatic details that defy straightforward narrative. The composition centers on a young shepherdess and a bearded old man, perhaps a sage or a traveler, both looking beyond the frame. Tiepolo often used such pairings of Men and Women to create dramatic tension. The subjects, drawn from common life-such as the Shepherds seen here-are set within a dramatic, non-specific landscape.

The inclusion of the Monkey, along with a pair of delicate Birds in the foreground, provides visual commentary. Monkeys frequently symbolized vanity or the imitation of human folly in early modern allegory. Tiepolo expertly utilizes light and shadow, relying solely on the etched line to create deep contrast and texture across the figures and drapery, solidifying his stature as a genius of the Italian Baroque period, not just in painting but in prints as well. This exceptional work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and as an 18th-century graphic work, high-resolution prints are often widely accessible through public domain resources.