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 number77.1259.25B
Not on view
DescriptionThis is one of a pair of bronze putti candle holders. Their appearance is similar to cherubs, chubby small figures with curling hair and flighty wings. They stand, relaxed on one hip, on separate simple cut pedestals . They themselves hold a candle holder upon which the candle is placed. The holder is an ornately carved S-curve. The two pieces are very nearly symmetrical mirror images, except for the different hand positions. The one who holds the candle over his left shoulder has his thumb going up the base, the one who holds the candle over his right shoulder has his thumb with the other fingers, grasping the base of the holder.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