Schets van twee putti bij een wijnvat c. 1750 - 1799

Gerrit Dadelbeek sketched these two putti by a wine vat in graphite, on paper. Cupids, or putti, had become a popular artistic motif during the Renaissance, often used to depict themes of love, innocence, or divine connection. As the symbolism of putti evolved throughout the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, they became more associated with secular themes, such as merrymaking. The presence of the wine vat suggests a festive atmosphere, perhaps alluding to the pleasures of life and the celebration of earthly delights. It's interesting to note that Dadelbeek's sketch presents a lighter, more playful take on the motif of putti, reflective of changing cultural values and artistic preferences. This drawing can serve as a lens through which to examine the cultural and institutional contexts that shaped artistic production during Dadelbeek's time. By delving into historical sources and analyzing the cultural milieu in which Dadelbeek operated, we can gain a better understanding of the meanings and intentions behind his artistic choices. Ultimately, art is contingent on social and institutional context.