Lena Rivera
During the Renaissance, artists began to experiment with new ways of illustrating various subjects, including love. This experimentation led to the creation of putti, winged baby or toddler characters that represented the presence of pure love. Putti, derived from the Latin word putus meaning boy, were often depicted as chubby-cheeked and playful, bearing little resemblance to the fierce and exotic Biblical depiction of cherubim. While the exact reason for their inclusion in paintings varies, some sources suggest that the Council of Trent may have influenced the proliferation of putti in Renaissance and Baroque art, as they are most commonly found in the work of Mannerists and Baroque artists.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Putti, Cherubs, Amorini, Cupid, Angel Babies |
| Origin | Renaissance and Baroque art |
| Physical Appearance | Chubby babies with wings |
| Symbolism | Earthly passions, love, desire, piety |
| Art Categories | Historical painting, portrait, genre painting |
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What You'll Learn
Flying baby heads in paintings
The flying baby heads found in paintings are called putti, cherubs, or cupids. They are typically depicted as frolicking, allegorical children with wings and are symbolic of earthly passions. The tradition of these winged figures stems from the Greco-Roman god of love and desire, Eros/Cupid.
The portrayal of angels as children emphasizes their benevolence and innocence, and they are meant to look cute. However, the flying heads of putti/cherubs can also create a striking dissonance, suggesting the sheer incomprehensibility of the Biblical angel. While cherubs are commonly interpreted as pudgy winged babies, putti are frolicking children with varied meanings, and amorini are Cupid's minions.
The depiction of flying baby heads in paintings may be influenced by the class of angel being represented, with cherubim and seraphim being higher in the angelic hierarchy than angels, who teach people to live virtuous lives. The number of wings and specific features, such as spiritual eyes, may also vary depending on the class of angel.
The proliferation of baby heads in paintings by Mannerists and Baroque artists could be attributed to guidelines set by the Council of Trent, which provided rules for artists painting religious subjects for the Church. Notable examples of paintings featuring flying baby heads include Paolo Veronese's "Adoration of the Magi" (1573) and Simon Vouet's "Assumption of the Virgin" (1647).
While the exact reason is unknown, it is speculated that the depiction of putti or cherubs as full-bodied or just floating heads may be related to the class of angel or visual rules established after the Council of Trent. These floating baby heads, or putti, have become some of the most entertaining pieces of art in the Western tradition.
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Putti, cherubs, and cupids
The word "putti" comes from the Latin word "putus," meaning "boy." Putti are typically depicted as male babies or toddlers and are associated with the idea of pure love. They first appeared in the works of Italian painter Raphael and other Renaissance artists. Raphael's Sistine Madonna from 1513-1514 features a pair of cherubs that have become some of the most famous figures in Western art history. Putti are also found in early eighteenth-century Rococo works, such as those by French painter François Boucher, where they are portrayed in lush, flower-filled pastorals.
Cherubs, on the other hand, are often associated with the feeling of being in love. The Bible mentions cherubim as angels that protect God's heavenly glory. However, the artistic depiction of cherubs differs significantly from their Biblical counterpart. In art, cherubs are typically portrayed as chubby baby angels with wings, while Biblical cherubim are fierce and exotic.
Cupids are also associated with love and are based on the Greco-Roman god of love and desire, Eros/Cupid. Originally portrayed as a young man, Cupid's depiction evolved during the Renaissance to that of a baby or young child, similar to putti. Cupid is often shown with a bow and arrow, causing people to fall in love.
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The Renaissance and Baroque art movement
The flying fat babies in paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque art movements are called putti. They are frolicking children with varied meanings, commonly interpreted as pudgy, winged babies. They are often confused with cherubs, which are Biblical angels. Putti are frequently found in Renaissance and Baroque art, with Mannerists and Baroque artists seemingly having a particular affinity for disembodied baby heads.
Now, onto the Renaissance and Baroque art movements. The Renaissance was a period in European art that generally refers to works created between 1300 and 1600. The Baroque period followed, encompassing art produced in Europe between 1600 and 1750. The two movements differ significantly in terms of artistic style and aesthetic. A key word to describe Renaissance art is "stabilize," with artists emphasizing stability, horizontals, and verticals in their compositions. For example, in "Crucifixion" by Andrea Mantegna, vertical lines are emphasized through the poles of the three crosses, while horizontals are created by the crossbeams and the lateral steps at the base.
On the other hand, Baroque art can be summed up with the word "dramatize." Baroque artists employed various techniques to create a sense of drama, instability, and movement in their works. They often used asymmetry, slanting axes, and dynamic costumes to convey a sense of motion. Additionally, Baroque art was characterized by its use of contrast, deep color, grandeur, and allegory. Every Baroque painting told a story and conveyed a message through symbols and allegorical characters.
While the Renaissance movement valued tranquility and stability in the expressions and compositions of its artworks, Baroque embraced emotional expressiveness and dynamic movement in its paintings. This shift from stability to dramatization is a defining aspect of the transition between these two artistic eras and styles.
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The Council of Trent's influence
The flying fat babies in paintings are called putti, cherubs, or cupids. They are frolicking children with varied meanings, commonly interpreted as pudgy, winged babies. They first symbolised earthly passions, deriving their role from the Greco-Roman god of love and desire, Eros/Cupid.
The Council of Trent, which began in 1545, was a synod of the Catholic Church that aimed to reform the Church after repeated attacks by Protestants starting in 1517. The Council discussed a wide range of Catholic doctrines, including the use of images in religious art. While the Council did not lay out specific guidelines for art, it did call for a reformed visual expression of Catholic ideas. This influenced artists to create art that was easier to understand and more educational, with clear religious stories and meanings.
The Council's impact on art, sometimes called post-Tridentine art, Counter Reformation art, or Catholic Reformation art, is indisputable. Artists such as El Greco, Caravaggio, and the Carracci are known for their innovative responses to the Council's decrees. For example, El Greco's "Burial of the Count of Orgaz" and Annibale Carracci's "The Bean Eater" demonstrate a reaction against mannerism and a move towards a more Baroque style.
The Council's influence can also be seen in the work of Baroque artists, who often depicted putti or cherubs in their paintings. These flying baby heads or cherubs are commonly found in the work of Mannerists and Baroque artists. One example is Paolo Veronese's "Adoration of the Magi" (1573), which depicts holy light transforming putti/cherubs into heads with wings. Another is Annibale Carracci's "The Assumption of the Virgin" (1584-85), which shows the Virgin surrounded by flying baby heads.
In conclusion, the Council of Trent's influence on art was significant, leading to a shift towards more understandable and educational religious art. This influenced the work of late Renaissance artists such as El Greco and Caravaggio, as well as the proliferation of putti or cherubs in the work of Mannerists and Baroque artists.
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The different classes of angels
The flying fat babies in paintings are called putti, cherubs, or cupids. They are typically depicted as winged, male, and playful. While they are commonly associated with angels, putti are not angels themselves but rather symbols of earthly passions deriving their role from the Greco-Roman god of love and desire, Eros/Cupid.
Now, onto the different classes of angels. Angels are divided into nine types within three main groups, which are further called choirs. The groupings were established by a fifth-century Catholic monk commonly known as Pseudo-Dionysius. The nine types of angels are:
- Seraphim: These angels are mentioned in the Bible as having faces, hands, and feet. Each seraph has six wings, four of which they use to cover themselves in the presence of God, and the other two to fly. They are often depicted in religious art and are considered the angels closest to God.
- Cherubim: Ancient art depicts cherubim as sphinx-like, winged creatures with human faces. They are the keepers of celestial records and hold the knowledge of God.
- Thrones: Thrones have the most bizarre appearance among the first grouping, described as great glowing wheels covered with many eyes. They serve as God's chariot and dispense his judgment.
- Virtues: Virtues are the fifth-ranking order of angels. They rule over miracles, blessings, grace, valor, and encouragement. They are known as the Brilliant or Shining Ones and mainly help people struggling with their faith.
- Powers: Powers are the sixth-ranking classification of angels and are credited as being created first by God. They are responsible for protecting humanity from demonic evil and guarding the border between Heaven and Earth.
- Principalities or Princes: Principalities are the seventh order of angels and are given more freedom than subsequent angels. They are considered heavenly governors, attempting to strike a balance between matter and spirit, good and bad.
- Archangels: Archangels are one of the most well-known types of angels and are eighth in the orders of angels. They possess specific healing gifts and are considered extensions of God himself.
- Angels: The third triad includes angels, which are the closest to humanity.
- An announcing, declaring, and leading group: This group's specific duties are not mentioned, but they are part of the nine offices summarized by Bonaventure.
It is important to note that the classification of angels can vary depending on religious and cultural contexts, and different sources may propose alternative hierarchies or include additional ranks.
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Frequently asked questions
The flying fat babies in paintings are called putti, cherubs, or cupids. Putti is derived from the Latin word "putus", meaning "boy". Cupid is a Greco-Roman god with myriad legends who has been distilled into a baby archer in popular culture.
Putti typically symbolize the presence of pure love and earthly passions. They are often depicted as having wings like angels.
Yes, the most famous pair of cherubs in Western art history are found in Raphael's Sistine Madonna from 1513-1514.
