Seated man and a putto 1556 - 1641

Lazzaro Tavarone sketched this seated man and putto with pen and wash. We see the figure of a seated man and an accompanying putto—a cherubic child. The putto, often associated with Cupid or Eros, symbolizes love, desire, and playful innocence. These cherubs have roots stretching back to ancient Greek and Roman art. Here, the putto carries a palm frond, a symbol of triumph and victory that has evolved from ancient Roman celebrations to Christian martyrdom. Think of how this symbol has transformed through time. The Renaissance saw its revival, intertwining classical motifs with Christian themes, reflecting a longing for a bygone era even as they forged new artistic paths. The gesture, the composition, stirs primal emotions, tapping into our collective memory. The cyclical dance of cultural symbols continues, constantly evolving, never truly disappearing.