Design for a Frieze with Putto and Acanthus Scroll 17th century

This drawing presents a design for a frieze, showcasing a putto amidst scrolling acanthus leaves. The putto, a symbol of youthful innocence and divine love, finds its roots in classical antiquity. The acanthus scroll, with its stylized leaves, evokes notions of growth, life, and artistic flourishing that we see in the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. This motif has resurfaced time and again through the Renaissance. The putto, often depicted as Cupid, has evolved into a cherubic figure representing both sacred and secular love. Here, the artist taps into our collective memory, stirring feelings of nostalgia and the primal connection to life's vitality. This timeless symbol continues its journey, resurfacing in various guises across the ages.