Gedecoreerde boog met putti en een guirlande van fruit 1622 - 1693

Alexandre Bettou created this drawing, "Gedecoreerde boog met putti en een guirlande van fruit," in the 17th century. During this time, artists were shifting away from the Renaissance’s focus on humanism. Instead, they were embracing the more ornate and dramatic Baroque style, with its emphasis on grandeur and emotional impact. Here, we see an allegorical scene with classical figures, including putti—those chubby, winged babies that were all the rage—and garlands of fruit. But consider this: the seemingly innocent cherubs and lush imagery are not just decorative. They reflect the era's fascination with opulence, power, and perhaps a desire to mask the harsh realities of the time. As you observe this drawing, ponder how these symbols of abundance and innocence might also carry a weight of social commentary. What emotions do these figures evoke in you? Is it joy, or something more complex, like a longing for a simpler time amidst the extravagance?