Scherzo di Fantasia: Seated Warrior Holding a Serpent, and Standing Youth 1696 - 1770

This drawing was made by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, probably sometime in the mid-18th century, using pen and brown ink with wash over graphite. Look closely, and you can see how Tiepolo used the fluidity of the ink to create a sense of movement and drama. The lines are quick and gestural, capturing the dynamism of the figures, particularly the warrior, caught in a moment of fanciful action. The washes add depth and volume, creating a play of light and shadow that enlivens the scene. This isn't a highly finished painting; it’s closer to a sketch. So we can imagine Tiepolo thinking through the composition in real time. Drawings like this one reveal the artist's hand, his process, and his engagement with the material of ink on paper. By focusing on the medium, we understand that even a quick sketch can be a powerful statement of artistic intent.