Dish with winged putto 1572

This is a dish with winged putto, made by Cipriano Piccolpasso, dating back to the 16th century. During the Renaissance, the depiction of putti, or cherubic figures, became a popular motif, symbolizing innocence, love, and divine presence. Here, the putto is centered within a wreath, set against an idealized landscape. This representation of youthful innocence contrasts sharply with the socio-political realities of the time, where childhood was often fraught with hardship and mortality. The surrounding objects – musical instruments and armaments – speak to the duality of Renaissance life, a period of artistic flourishing amidst constant conflict. Piccolpasso, through this dish, invites us to reflect on the complexities of human existence. The innocence of the putto, framed by symbols of worldly pursuits, evokes a sense of nostalgia, perhaps a longing for a simpler, more harmonious existence.