Design with Two Winged Female Figures and a Putto 1548 - 1612

Bernardino Poccetti sketched this design with pen and brown ink, accented with brown wash, over black chalk on blue paper. Here, winged female figures flank what appears to be a putto, a symbol that traces back to classical antiquity, representing playful innocence and divine love. The figures are reminiscent of ancient depictions of winged victories, like Nike, found across Roman triumphal arches, or ancient Greek pottery. Their upward gaze suggests a celestial connection, an enduring motif symbolizing aspiration and the link between earthly and divine realms. Yet, these winged figures are not static copies of their forebears. Consider the sensuality, the curves, and the softer rendering of flesh—a subtle divergence, reflecting changing cultural values. This evolution speaks to the powerful, often subconscious, forces that reshape symbols over time. The winged figures evoke a sense of awe, engaging viewers on a deep, almost primordial level. Notice how this symbol of the winged figure, once tied to victory and the heavens, has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings, a testament to the non-linear progression of cultural memory.