Winged Putto Personifying Spring (Flora) c. 1733

Here we see Jan van Logteren's marble sculpture of a winged putto, a symbol of spring also known as Flora, made in the early 18th century. The cherubic figure, with its soft, rounded features, embodies an idealized, almost eroticized innocence, typical of the Rococo period. During this era, artists frequently drew from classical mythology, and the image of the putto was a popular symbol of love and beauty. Yet, this representation often occurred within a society marked by inequality and strict social hierarchies. The sculpture aestheticizes youth while sidelining the lives of ordinary people. Van Logteren does not offer a subversive narrative. The winged putto, with its vase of flowers, evokes feelings of renewal and optimism. Simultaneously, its existence as an object of art reflects a culture of patronage and privilege. The sculpture invites us to consider the complex interplay between beauty, power, and representation, while prompting a dialogue about the values we project onto the symbols that surround us.