Bas-reliëf van een groep putti en paarden 1636 - 1647

Reinier van Persijn created this intriguing etching of a bas-relief depicting putti and horses in the mid-17th century. Van Persijn, working during the Dutch Golden Age, was known for his skill in capturing the dynamism of human and animal forms. This work presents a classical scene infused with the aesthetic sensibilities of the Baroque period. Putti, often seen as symbols of innocence and divine love, are here actively engaged in a chariot race, blurring the lines between religious allegory and secular entertainment. The etching raises questions about the relationship between power and innocence. Are these putti merely playing, or is there a deeper commentary on the use of power, suggested by the act of controlling horses and chariots? The scene, while playful, also hints at the complexities of control and freedom. The fine lines and detailed rendering invite us to consider the nuances of each figure's expression and posture, prompting a deeper reflection on themes of joy, control, and the blurred boundaries between innocence and authority.