Plate 13: Bertoldino with birds carried off by a kite, from "Bertoldo, Bertoldino, and Cacasenno" 1705 - 1715

Giuseppe Maria Crespi created this etching, "Plate 13: Bertoldino with birds carried off by a kite, from 'Bertoldo, Bertoldino, and Cacasenno'," sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. It is part of a series illustrating the comic adventures of Bertoldo, a shrewd peasant, and his family. Here, Bertoldino watches a kite fly away with birds tied to it. Crespi, working in Bologna, was known for his genre scenes and interest in the lives of ordinary people. The image offers a glimpse into the social fabric of the time, where humor and folklore were intertwined with daily life. Crespi’s focus on Bertoldino, a character from the margins of society, reflects a broader cultural interest in the lives and stories of the working class. The artwork captures a sense of lighthearted mischief, inviting us to reflect on the simple joys and absurdities of human existence. It reminds us that even in moments of play, social and class dynamics are at work.