Putto auf Delphin (Kachelentwurf) 

Hans Thoma made this pencil drawing called 'Putto auf Delphin' which translates to 'Putto on Dolphin' at an unknown date. The drawing presents a set of classical figures in a marine setting. The composition invites us to consider its structure through the lens of semiotics. On the right, a winged putto stands precariously on a dolphin, the lines suggesting movement and a sense of imbalance. To the left, faint outlines depict figures intertwined, possibly nymphs or deities, evoking classical mythology. Thoma uses line to create depth and texture, yet the unfinished quality adds a layer of complexity. The lines, though simple, carve out a space where classical forms meet a modern sensibility. The dolphin motif, a recurring symbol in classical art, paired with the putto, introduces themes of innocence and playful power. Thoma’s approach may challenge the fixed meanings of classical symbols, engaging with new ways of thinking about representation and form. The linear quality functions aesthetically, and invites a deeper reading of cultural and philosophical intersections.