Putti with Medallion n.d.

Jacob de Wit created this drawing, "Putti with Medallion," using pen and brown ink with gray wash, likely in the first half of the 18th century. The image presents playful cherubs, or putti, clustered around a medallion, embodying a lighthearted, decorative aesthetic that was highly valued in the period. De Wit was celebrated in his time for his illusionistic ceiling paintings, often featuring these kinds of cherubs, which were very popular in the decoration of private homes. The use of putti and classical motifs reflects the influence of the classical world on European art and culture at the time. The medallion itself, bearing a classical profile, reinforces this connection. The drawing, though small, suggests the larger cultural investment in classical imagery and its deployment in the service of aristocratic taste. To fully appreciate this work, consider consulting period pattern books and architectural drawings, which helps us understand the visual culture of the time and the role of drawings like this in shaping it.