Putto

A putto or cherub, plural: putti, is in sculpture and painting a child form, which occurs mostly little clothed or naked, with or without wings.

Etymology

The word putto is a borrowing from Italian putto (plural putti ) means little boy ' and in turn passes back to the Latin word putus ( boy ).

Representation

Putten were used for allegorical representations or to repeat a thematic design concept, but often for purely decorative purposes.

Since ancient times, they represented to the present day in many gods of love. The special form of cupids, eros childlike figures, has been known since ancient Greece. Examples can also be found in ancient Roman times, such as in Pompeii.

Already in early Christian art angels are associated with music. From the 15th century to appear in Christian art and painting increasingly depictions of child angels, the music mostly. It is believed that the combination of music and youth can be attributed to ancient traditions.

In the Baroque art, the music-making angels child became more and more stylized to toddler -like cherubs and frequently used especially in sculpture. In some churches there are several hundred cherubs adorn the altars, organs, railings, cornices, statues and frescoes. A particularly well-known depiction of putti contains the painting of the Sistine Madonna.

Others

The special form of Cupids as a representation of the love of God Cupid was also widespread during the Baroque and Rococo.

A cherub is the hallmark of the Upper Swabian Baroque Route. The most famous is probably the honey Schlecker in the Sanctuary Birnau, created by the plasterer from the Wessobrunner School, Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer.