Drie putti met vaandel 1884 - 1885

This etching was made by Frans Van Kuyck, likely in Antwerp, around 1884 or 1885. It depicts three putti, or cherubic figures, holding a banner, with the words "Vier en Twintig Etsen Antwerpen 1884-1885" – Twenty Four Etchings, Antwerp. It's worth considering the institutional context of this work. Antwerp, in the late 19th century, was a city undergoing rapid industrialization and social change. Art societies and printmaking studios emerged, reflecting a growing interest in artistic expression and the democratization of art through printmaking. This etching likely served as an announcement or advertisement for a portfolio of etchings produced by a local art association, perhaps aiming to promote the etching technique and the work of its members. The putti themselves can be viewed as allegorical figures representing the arts, carrying the banner of artistic innovation. Art historical research into the etching societies of Antwerp during this period would shed light on the specific social networks and artistic agendas that shaped the creation and dissemination of this artwork.