Putti 1755

This gilded limewood sculpture of a “Putti” was created by Johann Georg Pinzel, an 18th-century sculptor active in Eastern Europe. The baroque style of the sculpture reflects the religious and cultural context of the region at the time. Putti, or cherubic figures, were often used in religious art to evoke feelings of awe and reverence. Pinzel's unique approach imbues them with an intense emotionality. The exaggerated expression and dynamic form invite contemplation of the divine in a deeply personal way. Pinzel’s sculptures often adorned Greek Catholic Churches, and they present an interesting intersection of religious representation and national identity, specifically in the area known as modern day Ukraine. This sculpture can be seen as an expression of cultural and religious identity during a time of political change, embodying both spiritual ecstasy and a sense of cultural distinctiveness.