Design for a Frieze with Three Putti holding a Garland and Two Leopards jumping over it, Plate 16 from: 'Decorative friezes and foliage' (Ornamenti di fregi e fogliami) 1645 - 1650

This etching from the mid-17th century, by Stefano della Bella, captures a moment of playful tension with three putti struggling to hold up a garland as two leopards leap over it. In Baroque art, the putto—a cherubic, winged child—often symbolizes divine love or innocence, yet here they are earthbound, grappling with the weight of their floral burden, and perhaps also wrestling with the wild energy of the leopards. The garland, typically a symbol of celebration and abundance, is disrupted by the assertive presence of the leopards, which can be seen as symbols of power and untamed nature. This frieze design reflects the era’s fascination with classical motifs, but what interests me is the push and pull between the classical cherubic form and the raw vitality of the animals. The composition invites us to consider the interplay of innocence and experience, nature and culture.