Putto, zittend op een zeeleeuw c. 1526 - 1606

Adam Fuchs created this small etching of a putto riding a sea monster. The imagery is rooted in the artistic and cultural context of late 16th-century Europe. The chubby winged child, or putto, and sea monster were popular motifs during the Renaissance, often symbolizing themes of love, beauty, and the power of nature. These images were frequently deployed in decorative prints intended for use by artisans. The composition creates a sense of dynamic movement despite the static medium of print. The putto, almost wrestling with the sea monster, infuses a playful, energetic quality into the work. Consider how classical mythology and Renaissance humanism are interwoven here; the putto signifies innocence and beauty, set against the wild, untamed sea monster. The image invites us to consider the relationships between power and vulnerability, and intellect and raw instinct.