Vignet met putti die een liggende putto bedekken met een doek 1717 - 1783

This vignette was etched by Jacques Philippe Le Bas in the 18th century and features putti, those cherubic figures that populate so much of Western art. Here, we see them gathered around one of their own, covering him with a cloth. This motif of covering or shrouding is ancient, appearing in depictions of mourning rituals across cultures. Think of the veiling of the dead, a gesture meant to protect and conceal, but also to honor. Consider the pietà, where Mary cradles the body of Christ, often partially covered. The act of veiling is not just about physical concealment; it's a symbolic act, marking a transition, acknowledging loss, and perhaps even hinting at rebirth. It touches on our deepest fears and hopes, resonating with the collective unconscious. The putti engage in an emotional performance that speaks to us beyond language. This image is a reminder of how certain gestures and symbols persist, evolving yet retaining their power to evoke profound emotional responses. The image of the putti veiling their companion is part of a much larger, ever-changing narrative.