Women and Men Regarding a Burning Pyre of Bones, from Vari Capricci (Various Caprices), 1743
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Gift of Herschel V. Jones, by exchangeexpand_more P.81.2.7
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Though Tiepolo is primarily known for his vast murals and ceiling paintings, he also made intimate, lyrical drawings and etchings. The title of the series to which these prints belong is literally translated as "Various Caprices," but it could equally be called "Flights of Fancy." The images are intentionally open-ended. Tiepolo provides us with actors, props, and stage sets, but there is no script. We are free to exercise our imaginations and our emotions to create stories and perhaps meanings of our own. The restrained gestures of most of the figures minimize narrative suggestion and heighten psychological tension. Tiepolo's loose, open treatment of forms and lines emphasizes that these are fantasies, barely material at all.
Details
- Title
- Women and Men Regarding a Burning Pyre of Bones, from Vari Capricci (Various Caprices)
- Artist Life
- (Venice), 1696–1770
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.81.2.7
- Provenance
- A.M. Zanetti edition, Liechtenstein collection (until late 1940s/1950s; sold to Colnaghi's); [Colnaghi's, London, in late 1940s/early 1950s]; Sale, Sotheby's Parke Bernet, London, November 26-28, 1979, lot 1015 (set of 10 prints), for £10,250; [David Tunick, New York, until 1981; sold to MIA]
- Catalogue Raisonne
- DeV. 9; Rizzi 35
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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