Fries met zes putti 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut crafted this frieze with six putti, a delicate dance of classical motifs. Here, we see putti, winged cherubs, symbols of divine love and innocence since antiquity. They re-emerge during the Renaissance as playful figures in both religious and secular art, echoing the ancient Roman Cupid. Notice the one struggling with a large cross, juxtaposed with others in carefree poses. This contrast resonates with earlier depictions of Cupid, sometimes shown carrying the heavy burden of love, a theme explored in classical poetry and later adapted by Renaissance humanists. Consider how these symbols evoke collective memories, tapping into our understanding of love, innocence, and burden. Schut’s putti remind us that these motifs aren’t static but evolve through time, mirroring our changing perceptions of the world. Like echoes in a grand hall, these images resonate, their meanings transforming with each new encounter.