The Leopards' Cage at the Menagerie 1736 - 1804

"The Leopards' Cage at the Menagerie" (1736-1804) by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727-1804) depicts a scene of 18th-century life at a menagerie in Venice. The drawing captures the curiosity of onlookers as they peer into a cage filled with leopards, some lounging and others sitting in anticipation. Tiepolo's work exemplifies the Rococo style, highlighting the era's fascination with exotic animals and public spectacles. The artist utilizes a warm brown wash, creating a sense of depth and intimacy within the confined space of the cage. This small-scale drawing, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, provides a glimpse into the social dynamics and animal exhibits that captivated audiences during the 18th century.