Twee putti bij een plant in pot 1675 - 1685

Pietro Antonio Cotta created this engraving of two putti with a potted plant sometime in the 17th or 18th century. The plump, winged figures, often seen in classical and Renaissance art, evoke a sense of innocence and cherubic beauty. Their presence flanking a potted plant raises questions about their symbolic role. Are they guardians of nature? Or perhaps allegorical figures representing abundance and fertility? During this time in Europe, the increasing availability of new plant species due to global exploration and trade, transformed gardens into displays of wealth and botanical knowledge. The putti, with their delicate touch upon the plant, might be seen as emblems of human dominion over the natural world. Yet, their vulnerability also hints at a symbiotic relationship, inviting us to reflect on the responsibilities that come with such power. This image encapsulates the complex interplay between art, nature, and society during this period.