Landschap met drie putti 1573 - 1610

Curator: This is “Landschap met drie putti”, or "Landscape with Three Putti," an etching believed to be created by Christoph Jamnitzer sometime between 1573 and 1610. Editor: Wow. Okay, first thought? Those little dudes are *up* to something. Is that one aiming an arrow right at the other one’s backside? The cheek of it all! Curator: These playful putti were a popular motif in Renaissance and Mannerist art, often used to evoke classical themes or add a touch of levity. Jamnitzer, a goldsmith and printmaker, likely circulated these images as models for other artisans. Editor: Model is right! Imagine trying to recreate *that* scene in gold. Talk about a challenge. And the landscape itself is kind of odd, isn’t it? Very stage-like, theatrical almost. One stylized palm tree...then nothing! Curator: You’ve hit upon a key aspect of Mannerism: artifice. The scene isn't meant to represent a real place, but rather to create a space for imaginative invention, displaying both technical skill and refined knowledge of classical tropes. The presence of the putti, situated within that landscape, is less about childlike innocence, and more about an learned play with symbols, and allegories. Editor: Allegories about bums and arrows! Look closely, I also just spotted that the angel that’s standing up has a little bird resting on its head. But more importantly what exactly could such putti symbolise? Curator: Exactly, allegories are often up to the viewers interpretation. Putti can be linked with Eros and Cupid which make for interesting allusions here, perhaps to the follies of love! Editor: I guess it kind of works. Despite the high art background, it has this really loose, almost comedic feel about it. Even though its monochrome you have this intense contrast to its style as you say: almost childlike with highly stylistic references. I almost find it refreshing. Curator: It serves to humanize these larger than life personas into common-life depictions that give an insight into Renaissance values. This ability to blend playful elements with learned allusion is perhaps the drawing’s enduring charm and power. Editor: Precisely. You see the artistry and can find modern themes. Now I really want to see someone recreate this in gold. That'd be truly hilarious.