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Art Book Reviews

The collections at Loggia explore select areas of study in art and art history, architecture and design, the decorative arts, industrial design, and classical studies such as Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

 

 

home | art | art history | renaissance | art speak | putti

Putti in Renaissance Art
Whether they are carved in wood, cast in bronze, sculpted from stone, or painted on canvas or plaster, putti are endearing symbols that suggest love and romance. But what exactly are putti? The word putti is used by art historians to describe the engaging and angelic creatures of which artists are so fond of including in their works. Putti (singular - putto) usually resemble adorable chubby children or babies, and they are often depicted with tiny wings that allude to their celestial origin.

In Italian Renaissance art, putti are famous for stealing adoring glances at the Virgin Mary in Raphael's Sistine Madonna. However, putti were also quite popular with artists during many other artistic periods. These childish cherubs frolic in the romantic Rococo paintings of François Boucher, for example, and additionally adorn a myriad of other magnificent pieces throughout the history of art.

Since these winged creatures are found in many works of art - both fine and decorative - they naturally acquired a mythology of sorts. For putti are used to allude to the presence of love, or even used to represent love itself. They are derived from artistic depictions of Eros (who was known to the Romans as Cupid), the Greek god of love and desire. Indeed, one famous representation of Eros is the Hellenistic work of sculpture known as the Sleeping Eros. So the next time you see an angelic little creature smiling from one of your favorite works of art, you can be sure that love is in the air.

Learn more about the role the god Eros played in Greek mythology at Mythography.


From Abacus to Zeus

Another useful reference book for information about art terms and techniques. It is described as an "illustrated glossary and iconographical guide [that] presents a wealth of information bearing on the history of the visual arts."