Three Flying Putti c. 18th century

Curator: This delicate drawing, "Three Flying Putti," is attributed to the manner of François Boucher. Editor: It feels light, airy almost, despite the density of the red chalk. There's a definite playfulness in the figures' poses. Curator: Boucher, and those working in his style, frequently depicted putti—often associated with love and innocence—in decorative and allegorical scenes, catering to the Rococo fascination with pleasure and beauty. Editor: It's interesting to consider the role these images played, idealizing childhood while masking the harsh realities faced by many children in that era. Curator: Absolutely. And the drawing itself provides insight into the artistic process, revealing the artist's skill in capturing form and movement with minimal lines. It serves as a document reflecting the aesthetics and social values of its time. Editor: It also reflects the ongoing complexities of representing innocence and cherubic childhood—I appreciate the depth of that history.