Fà ballar i Cani (Street Entertainer)
published 1753
Medium
engraving and etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 26.3 x 18.2 cm (10 3/8 x 7 3/16 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1992.99.1.bbb
Art Historical Context
Gaetano Zompini’s “Fà ballar i Cani (Street Entertainer),” published in 1753, offers a lively glimpse into 18th-century street life. Created as engraving and etching on laid paper, the print measures just over 10 by 7 inches, allowing for intimate yet detailed viewing. The medium’s fine lines and tonal contrasts were well suited to capturing the energy of public performances, a popular subject among artists documenting everyday scenes across Europe at the time. The title suggests a performer coaxing dogs to dance, highlighting the colorful characters who entertained crowds in city squares. Su...