Ornament met bladranken en putto 1683 - 1733

This ornament with leaf tendrils and putto was created by Bernard Picart, a French engraver who worked during the late Baroque and early Rococo periods. The piece presents a central putto, a cherubic figure often associated with love and innocence, flanked by swirling leaf tendrils and grotesque masks. Picart, who fled France for the Netherlands due to religious persecution, was known for his detailed and allegorical engravings. This work reflects the period’s fascination with classical motifs, blending them with a playful, ornamental style. Yet, the cherubic figure is not universally innocent. Its presence evokes questions about the representation of youth and beauty within the art of this era. The ornament invites us to consider the complex interplay of cultural heritage, religious identity, and artistic expression during a time of significant social and political change.