Winged Putto Personifying Autumn (Bacchus) 1717

Ignatius van Logteren created this marble sculpture of a Winged Putto, a representation of Autumn, during the late 17th or early 18th century. The sculpture presents a classical form with an intriguing surface texture, a soft, honed finish that invites tactile exploration. The composition centers on the putto, whose form flows into a supporting column adorned with grapes. The curves of the putto’s body, juxtaposed with the sharp lines of the base, create a dynamic tension. The texture is particularly striking; while the putto’s skin is smooth, the grapes and hair are given a rougher treatment, providing a visual richness. Van Logteren uses these textures to draw a contrast, perhaps hinting at the abundance of autumn or the dual nature of Bacchus, who represents both ecstasy and chaos. The sculpture, therefore, is not just an aesthetic object but a study in contrasts, challenging our perceptions of form and texture within a classical framework.