Museum number
C883
Object
Putto playing pipes, attributed to Nicolo Roccatagliata, bronze, about 1620
Description
A small bronze statuette of a winged naked putto with some drapery over the torso, left leg straight, right leg forward and slightly bent, on a square base, arms raised for hands to hold the pipe to the putto's mouth, mounted on a nineteenth century three coloured square marble base.Italian, Florence, c. 1610Pair with C884.Attributed to Nicol\'f2 Roccatagliata (fl. 1593-1636) by R. Wenley in his report of November 1999.Patinated bronze on marble base, from the same set of four as C883. Putti were popularised by the Florentine artist, Sansovino, exiled in Venice after the sack of Rome in 1527. A favourite Venetian theme, they came into their own in the rococo style of the 18th century.In X catalogue: X535: A Florentine Bronze of Cupid playing on a Violin (C883).X537: A Florentine Bronze of Cupid playing on a Pipe (C884).J. Mallet attributed to Venetian 16th century, or early 17th century of "Roccatagliata type".A. Radcliffe, 1993: Probably from a set of four for balustrade of a cabinet: two turning one way, two the other way. Venetian, probably early 17th century. Quite good quality the patination, like Florentine (so possibly not original?).Robert Wenley, November 1999: At RH Smith collection catalogue by A. Radcliffe [?, c. 1995] group of four such putti, formerly from Leichtenstein collection. Nasty (worn) lacquer, but [?] casts. Note: good, neat, square integral bases. At [?] 1995 no. 91.[Handwritten note on catalogue card:] Possibly violin, possibly clarinet.
Materials
Bronze
Inscription
None
On display?
Yes

Further description

Simple name
Sculpture
Subject
Allegorical
Dimensions
regular: 12.9cm (w)
Putto playing pipes Italian, (Venice), attributed to Nicolò Roccatagliata (active 1593–1636) Cast bronze on marble plinths C883 Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware) and small bronze sculptures were among the luxury objects of the wealthy Renaissance home. Displayed and enjoyed in the ‘studiolo’ or study, small bronze statuettes were inspired by surviving ancient Roman figures. Maiolica plates and objects were more practical in their uses. Different centres of production, such as Venice, Urbino, Faenza and Deruta, developed their own characteristic styles.

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