Four Frolicking Putti, 1506
Marcantonio Raimondiexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Gift of Elizabeth, Julie, and Catherine Andrus in memory of John and Marion Andrusexpand_more 2015.93.7
Not on Viewexpand_more
This puzzling early work, precisely dated September 18, 1506, on the pedestal carried by one of the putti, takes inspiration from a variety of sources both ancient and contemporary. The figures are closely related to ones found on Roman sarcophagi (stone coffins). If Marcantonio saw the example now in the Princeton University Art Museum, then he took the figures struggling with a herm and recast them using the physique of the putti seen in other parts of the frieze. Some of the trees are lifted straight from a Dürer woodcut.
The winged anchor held by the central putto likely refers to the ancient Latin adage Festina Lente (make haste slowly), a motto adopted by Aldus Manutius, the prolific Renaissance publisher of classical texts.
Details
- Title
- Four Frolicking Putti
- Artist Life
- c. 1475/1480–c.1534
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2015.93.7
- Provenance
- Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Lugt 2092, London. Earl of Pembroke, cf. Lugt 2636b (until 1917; his sale, Sotheby's, London, July 5-10, 1917, no. 194). John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Bartsch 320 (vol. 14, p. 240); Passavant 168 (vol. 4, p. 28); Shoemaker 10; Delaborde supp. 42 (p. 290) as a doubtful work
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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