Male Saint (Stanisław Kostka?) standing on clouds supported by putti, holding infant Christ 1726 - 1736

This drawing was made by Pedro Duque Cornejo in the 18th century. It shows a saint, possibly Stanisław Kostka, standing on clouds held up by putti, while he holds the Infant Christ. The imagery of a saint standing on clouds, surrounded by putti, is not unique to this piece, or time. It is reminiscent of the ascent to heaven, and it can be traced back to ancient Roman depictions of emperors being carried to the heavens by mythological figures. This motif evolved through Christian art to symbolize divine grace and favor. The putti, or cherubic children, have roots in classical antiquity, representing playful spirits. Over time, their meaning shifted within Christianity to symbolize divine love, innocence, and messengers of God. These symbols and motifs have continued to resurface, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.