Design for a “double door piece”_ Five putti at a sacrificial altar 1723

Jacob de Wit rendered this sketch of five putti at a sacrificial altar using pen, brown ink, brush, and gray wash. De Wit, a Dutch artist, lived during the late Baroque period, a time of great opulence for the wealthy. Here, De Wit subverts traditional religious themes by depicting plump, playful putti in a sacrificial scene. These figures, often associated with innocence and purity, are placed in a setting typically reserved for solemn religious rituals. The scene can evoke a sense of nostalgia for classical antiquity. The ambiguity surrounding the figures’ purpose invites reflection on the shifting values of the era and a commentary on power dynamics and the performance of piety. This piece reflects the complexities of Dutch society at the time, which was navigating its identity as a global power. The emotional and personal dimensions of this piece offer a glimpse into the artist's worldview.