Putto rijdend op vogel c. 1866 - 1900

This print by Adolphe Bilordeaux features a putto riding on a bird, amidst foliage and decorative elements. The putto, a cherubic figure often associated with love and innocence, sits astride a majestic bird, its wings spread in flight. These motifs resonate deeply with classical antiquity, where Eros, the god of love, was often depicted with wings, symbolizing the swiftness and capriciousness of desire. We see echoes of this in Renaissance art and beyond, where putti became popular symbols of divine love and playful innocence. Here, the bird itself is a symbol of freedom and transcendence, and its appearance alongside the putto suggests a union of earthly and divine realms. Consider how these symbols persist, evolving through time, reflecting our collective fascination with love, freedom, and the eternal dance between the earthly and the divine. As we gaze upon this image, we are drawn into a timeless story that speaks to the deepest longings of the human heart.