Putto c. 1756 - 1797

Hendrik Willem Schweickhardt's "Putto" is a charcoal drawing that depicts a cherubic figure, or putto, with a weighty object resting on his legs. The cherub's contorted body and the weight of the object suggest a sense of exertion. This small-scale work, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, showcases Schweickhardt’s skill in capturing the human form in motion, as seen through the expressive lines of the drawing. The artist's signature appears in the lower right corner, marking his artistic presence on the work. This drawing is a testament to Schweickhardt's mastery of charcoal drawing and his interest in the expressive power of the human form.