Marmeren Putti 1746 - 1748

Laurent Delvaux, a sculptor from what is now Belgium, created this marble sculpture of putti in the 18th century. Putti, often seen in classical and Renaissance art, are those chubby, winged boy figures symbolizing love. Delvaux’s putti, however, stands next to a shield, with no wings in sight. The focus here shifts from mere allegories of love to emblems of power and lineage. These figures were made during the Enlightenment, a time when ideas about monarchy and aristocracy were changing. The shield the putti leans on implies themes of heritage and authority during this era of transformation. Consider how social dynamics were evolving, and think about how this seemingly innocent sculpture may represent the tensions between old and new ideas. It's a sentimental yet potent reminder of the evolving relationship between identity, power, and representation.