Studies after Antique Frieze Figures, Including Putti with Garlands, with a Chimera and Dolphins (recto); Sketch of a Head (verso) 1485 - 1495

This drawing, now in the Met's collection, offers a glimpse into the artistic practices and cultural values of its time. Made with pen and brown ink, it reveals an anonymous artist's study of antique frieze figures, including putti with garlands, a chimera, and dolphins. During the Renaissance, the rediscovery of classical art and architecture sparked a fervent interest in ancient mythology and aesthetics. Artists looked to antiquity for inspiration, seeking to revive its ideals of beauty, harmony, and proportion in their own work. The figures of putti, often associated with love, innocence, and playfulness, were frequently depicted in classical art and were embraced by Renaissance artists. This drawing reflects broader societal trends. The chimera and dolphins symbolize a fascination with the mythical and the natural world. The inclusion of these motifs speaks to the era’s intellectual curiosity and its desire to reconcile classical learning with contemporary experience. This piece offers a window into the cultural and intellectual milieu of its time.