Six Persons Standing, Watching a Serpent, 18th century
Etchingexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more P.68.378
Not on Viewexpand_more
Most of Giambattista Tiepolo’s etchings have no known basis in literature or history. They are capprichi, imaginary, often whimsical, subjects. Here six people, men and women, young and old, seem to be involved with some sort of magical act. An inscrutable owl is perched on an ancient altar or sarcophagus from which smoke rises as a snake writhes on the ground. A herm in the form of a satyr—seemingly drunk and wearing a laurel wreath around its neck—presides of the scene. What are we to make of it'... Anything we want to.
Details
- Title
- Six Persons Standing, Watching a Serpent
- Artist Life
- (Venice), 1696–1770
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.378
- Provenance
- P. & D. Colnaghi, London, LRO
- Catalogue Raisonne
- DeV. 24 i/ii
- 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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