Angels and Putti 

Giovanni Battista Crosato rendered this drawing of angels and putti with pen and grey ink, washed with grey. These winged figures, ubiquitous in Renaissance and Baroque art, embody a fascinating blend of pagan and Christian traditions. The putto, derived from the classical Cupid or Eros, was originally a symbol of profane love. However, it was adapted in Christian art to represent the cherub, an attendant of the divine. Notice how the angels' gestures echo those found in ancient Roman art, particularly in depictions of victory or apotheosis. This continuity reveals the enduring influence of classical antiquity on the visual language of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Such imagery taps into our collective memory, stirring deep-seated emotions and associations. The upward gaze and outstretched arms of the angels evoke a sense of longing, ascension, and divine connection—themes that transcend specific religious doctrines and resonate with universal human experiences. The cyclical progression of symbols as they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts has once again demonstrated its power.