Winged Putto Holding the Base of a Cross 1477 - 1510

Titian created this red chalk drawing of a winged putto holding the base of a cross sometime in the 16th century. The Italian Renaissance saw the Church as a major patron of the arts; its wealth and power were almost unmatched. We can tell the significance of this cultural dynamic from the religious subject of the image. Titian was part of a workshop system, so this drawing was very likely a study for a larger painting, probably an altarpiece. Putti are a common motif in Renaissance art, often seen in religious scenes. Here, the putto’s cherubic form softens the image of the cross, a symbol of death and sacrifice. The role of the historian is to consider the power dynamics and social conditions that shape artistic production. Examining workshop practices, religious patronage, and the cultural values of the time can offer insights into the meaning and purpose of such artworks. Studying original documents can reveal the context in which art was made.