A Winged Figure, two Women, and a Man 1500 - 1570

Biagio Pupini created this pen and brown ink with white gouache on blue paper likely in the first half of the 16th century. He was working in Italy at a time when artists looked back to classical antiquity for inspiration, blending pagan mythology with Christian beliefs. The image contains figures that seem to come from both of these traditions. We see both a winged figure, perhaps an angel or cupid, along with what appear to be classically robed women and a man. The juxtaposition speaks to a Christian humanism then in vogue, which sought to harmonize classical and biblical accounts of humanity’s origins and destiny. Pupini’s image testifies to the values of Renaissance society. Italian artists of this period found patronage from powerful families and the church; these institutions shaped art production by supporting artists. Careful research into patronage networks and religious beliefs can shed light on the conditions that led to such captivating artworks. Art history helps us understand the forces shaping cultural expression.