Candle-Bearing Putti
Artist
Niccolo Roccatagliata
(Italian, active 1593 - 1636)
CultureItalian
Dateca. 1550
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall: 13 in. (33 cm)
Base: 13 in. (33 cm)
Base: 13 in. (33 cm)
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number77.1259.25A
Not on view
Label 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
Pair/Pair