Plate 18: Cacasenno on horseback, from "Bertoldo, Bertoldino, and Cacasenno" 1705 - 1715

Giuseppe Maria Crespi created this etching, Plate 18: Cacasenno on horseback, as part of a series inspired by the humorous stories of "Bertoldo, Bertoldino, and Cacasenno." Crespi worked in Bologna during the late Baroque period, a time when artists were increasingly exploring genre scenes and everyday life. This print depicts Cacasenno, one of the central characters, precariously perched on a horse. His awkwardness and the horse's strained posture create a sense of comical imbalance. The inscription below the image reinforces the scene's humor, and is a commentary on the dangers of lacking moderation. Crespi's work often incorporated social commentary, using humor to critique the follies and foibles of society. In this print, the artist uses laughter to temper any overt moralizing. How might the caricature of Cacasenno on horseback serve as a mirror reflecting our own vulnerabilities and missteps?