Water gietende putto 1704

Giovanni Girolamo Frezza created "Water gietende putto", sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. During Frezza’s time, Europe was entrenched in the Baroque period, which favored drama and elaborate detail in the arts. "Water gietende putto" features a winged putto— often seen in classical and Renaissance art as symbols of innocence and divine love— pouring water. Yet, within the context of the Baroque era, there's an interesting interplay between classical motifs and the period's emphasis on dynamic movement and emotional intensity. The putto, while a symbol of purity, is also presented with a sensual physicality, a characteristic of Baroque art’s approach to the human form. Consider how the representation of innocence intersects with the era's aesthetic of dramatic expression and corporeal awareness. This piece invites us to reflect on the complex ways in which historical and cultural values shape our understanding and portrayal of innocence, desire, and the body.