Sketches of Putti (recto); Study for Ornament (verso) c. 1837 - 1875

Editor: So, this is Alfred Stevens's drawing, "Sketches of Putti," from sometime between 1837 and 1875, created with pencil, chalk, and charcoal on paper. It’s a collection of limbs and cherubic figures. I find the anatomical studies compelling, but the putti give it an innocent quality. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see the persistent echo of the Renaissance. These aren't just anatomical studies, they're visual building blocks steeped in centuries of artistic tradition. The putti, those chubby cherubs, act as potent symbols – representing innocence, divine love, even salvation depending on their context. What emotions do these figures evoke for you, recognizing they were likely drawn from life? Editor: Mostly curiosity, actually. The juxtaposition of the carefully rendered limbs and the cherubs makes me wonder what Stevens was planning. Are these sketches for a larger composition, maybe? Curator: Perhaps. Or maybe these were simply visual exercises. But the recurrence of putti throughout art history – think of Raphael, or even earlier Roman frescoes – reinforces their symbolic power. How does understanding their lineage impact your perception of this seemingly simple sketch? Editor: It gives it more weight, definitely. It makes me think about the power of symbols, and how they continue to show up throughout history. Thanks. Curator: Indeed. The study of these artistic echoes across time can tell us much about evolving cultural values and enduring human experiences. It reveals that continuity.