Candle-Bearing Putti
Artist
Niccolo Roccatagliata
(Italian, active 1593 - 1636)
Dateca. 1550
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall: 13 in. (33 cm)
Base: 13 in. (33 cm)
Base: 13 in. (33 cm)
ClassificationsEuropean art
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number77.1259.25A
Terms
- Bronze
- Venice
On View
Not on viewLabel TextNicolò Roccatagliata Italian, active 1593–1636 Candle-Bearing Putti Bronze These chubby winged infants may look like angels, but they actually depict Roman mythological figures called putti. The playful, Cupid-like creatures appear in ancient art, and they often serve as attendants in Renaissance paintings and classically inspired sculpture. Consider, for example, the putti flying above Apollo and the Muses in Maerten van Heemskerck’s painting (behind you, to the left). Symbolizing the passions, they add life and energy to the scene. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 77.1259.25a-b