Standing Youth and Seated Magus with Monkey on Leash, plate 18 from the Scherzi di Fantasia
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1931-67-59
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, leading Venetian Rococo artist (1692–1770), created *Standing Youth and Seated Mag with Monkey on Leash* as plate 18 from enchanting series *Scherzi Fantasia* around 1750–60. These "Fantasies" or "Caprices" comprise about 36 etchings, showcasing Tiepolo's imaginative flair for whimsical, theatrical scenes blending mythical figures, exotic animals, and airy landscapes. In this plate, a poised standing youth contrasts with a seated magus—likely a wise sorcerer or astrologer—accompanied by a leashed monkey, evoking playful mystery and the era's fascination with the arca...