1520-1526 (engraved)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Although designed and executed by a German artist the subject matter of this print is Italian in origin. The putti (small cherubs), a vase, and scrolling foliage are motifs looking back to the art and design of ancient Rome and are characteristic of Italian Renaissance art.
This print is very small - less than three centimetres high and eight centimetres long but even in such a small space the artist has created an image full of energy and a sense of movement. One putto is looking down so we only see the top of his head while the body of the other is seen more in profile although his face is obscured by his arm. Both of them are standing on one foot suggesting a dance or a pose that will only be held for a short time. Variety within an overall symmetrical composition is carried through to the scrolling foliage at either end, as the left and right halves do not match. The grid-like black background gives this print the appearance of a sculptural low relief.
This print is very small - less than three centimetres high and eight centimetres long but even in such a small space the artist has created an image full of energy and a sense of movement. One putto is looking down so we only see the top of his head while the body of the other is seen more in profile although his face is obscured by his arm. Both of them are standing on one foot suggesting a dance or a pose that will only be held for a short time. Variety within an overall symmetrical composition is carried through to the scrolling foliage at either end, as the left and right halves do not match. The grid-like black background gives this print the appearance of a sculptural low relief.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Engraving on paper |
| Brief description | Two putti with scrolls of foliage on either side of a vase by Barthel Beham; engraving; Germany; 1520-1526 |
| Physical description | Two putti with scrolls of foliage on either side of a vase |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Gallery label | PUTTO DESIGNS
The unknown artist who created the small plaquette [7426-1861] has adapted the design in Barthel Beham's engraving. He modified it by tightening the scrolls around the vase and changing the position of the head of the putto on the right. The foliage on either side of the putti was omitted.
Engraving on paper
1520-6
Barthel Beham (1502-40)
Germany, Nuremberg
Museum no.14086 |
| Object history | Historical significance: "His interest in small, unconventional figure compositions and Italianate designs of secular subject-matter, such as small ornamental prints with putti, introduced a number of novel aspects to the repertoire of German printamkers." Bartrum, Giulia. German Renaissance Prints 1490-1550, London, 1995 pp.122-123 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Although designed and executed by a German artist the subject matter of this print is Italian in origin. The putti (small cherubs), a vase, and scrolling foliage are motifs looking back to the art and design of ancient Rome and are characteristic of Italian Renaissance art. This print is very small - less than three centimetres high and eight centimetres long but even in such a small space the artist has created an image full of energy and a sense of movement. One putto is looking down so we only see the top of his head while the body of the other is seen more in profile although his face is obscured by his arm. Both of them are standing on one foot suggesting a dance or a pose that will only be held for a short time. Variety within an overall symmetrical composition is carried through to the scrolling foliage at either end, as the left and right halves do not match. The grid-like black background gives this print the appearance of a sculptural low relief. |
| Bibliographic reference | Bartsch, Adam von. Le peintre graveur. Vienna, 1803-1821, no 58 |
| Other number | 125 - Pauli |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 14086 |
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| Record created | May 31, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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