Sketch of a Putto Holding an Open Book 1805 - 1840

This delicate pencil sketch by William Pitts depicts a putto, or cherubic figure, holding an open book. Created between 1805 and 1840, the drawing showcases Pitts's skill in capturing the graceful form of the winged child. The putto's pose and the book suggest themes of knowledge and innocence, common motifs in Renaissance and Baroque art. This small but intricate work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the artist's fascination with classical themes.