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Scherzi di Fantasia: Magician Pointing Out a Burning Head to Two Youths, 1750s. Creator
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Scherzi di Fantasia: Magician Pointing Out a Burning Head to Two Youths, 1750s. Creator
Scherzi di Fantasia: Magician Pointing Out a Burning Head to Two Youths, 1750s. A scherzo is a musical composition made up of little phrases, with implications of playfulness. Tiepolos Scherzi are improvised scenes of magicians, philosophers, soldiers, old men in turbans, and shepherds who consult horoscopes, skulls, skeletons, and snakes among altars, ruins, and ancient bas-reliefs. The transitory nature of life, the vanity of human pursuits, and direct confrontation with death, are the recurring themes. The eerie mood of the prints reflect the preoccupation of 18th-century Venice with magic, superstition, and witchcraft. Light was Tiepolos essential means of expression and the basic element of his style. The sensation of sunlight bathing each scene is an illusion created by the contrast of the nervous, broken lines against white paper. Shade is obliterated; even the darkest areas are transparent as they, too, are created out of light
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Media ID 19641589
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1696 1770 Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Italian
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print "Scherzi di Fantasia: Magician Pointing Out a Burning Head to Two Youths, 1750s" captures the essence of Tiepolo's improvisational scenes. In this particular composition, we witness a magician engaging two curious youths with an intriguing spectacle - a burning head. The artist skillfully portrays the transitory nature of life and confronts us with the vanity of human pursuits. Tiepolo's fascination with magic, superstition, and witchcraft is palpable in this eerie depiction. The scene is adorned with altars, ruins, ancient bas-reliefs, skulls, skeletons, and snakes - all elements that evoke mystery and intrigue. These recurring themes serve as reminders of our mortality and provoke contemplation on the fleetingness of existence. Light plays a crucial role in Tiepolo's style; it becomes his essential means of expression. Through delicate lines contrasting against white paper, he creates an illusionary sensation of sunlight bathing each scene. Even the darkest areas are transparent as they too emerge from light itself. This print by Heritage Art/Heritage Images allows us to delve into Tiepolo's world where playfulness intertwines with profound philosophical questions about life and death. It invites viewers to ponder upon their own pursuits while being enchanted by the mesmerizing imagery before them.
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