Standing Philosopher and Two Other Figures

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

National Gallery of Art

This print depicts three people near a body of water. The two on the left are crouched over and appear to be speaking. One has their back to us, and the other person’s face is only partially visible. The crouching people both wear long, flowing robes with hoods. They are on the ground near a long pole that may be a flag or sail. The person on the right is standing upright with one arm resting on a stone ledge or platform. They have visible facial features including a beard and a furrowed brow. This person's hair is long and covered with a head scarf. Around them are elements of a rural or riverside setting; there is a decorative urn on the ground in the right-hand corner and leafy trees in the background. The background on the left includes simple lines depicting a cloudy sky over calm water.