What is the difference between a putto, a cherub and a cupid?

In art history, a putto is a generic winged infant figure borrowed from classical mythology. A cherub specifically denotes a celestial being of higher biblical order, while Cupid is the specific mythological god of erotic love, usually identified by his bow and arrows. Despite these distinct origins, antique dealers and makers frequently used the terms interchangeably throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Most small winged infant figures encountered on the market are loosely termed cherubs or putti regardless of their precise iconography.

How can I tell an eighteenth-century porcelain figure from a nineteenth-century revival piece?

Early porcelain figures from factories like Bow, Chelsea or Meissen typically exhibit the weight, glaze characteristics and subtle translucency specific to soft-paste or early hard-paste porcelain of the period. Pigments were hand-applied under or over the glaze with distinct tonal variations. Nineteenth-century revival pieces often display sharper mould definitions, different factory marks stamped rather than painted, and chemical compositions in the ceramic paste that reflect industrial standardisation. Examining the base for firing scars and wear patterns aids in determining the exact era of production.

Were bronze putti figures always made as sculptures?

While many bronze putti were cast as independent tabletop sculptures or garden statues, others served functional roles in interior design. Makers integrated these figures into the bases of table lamps, the stems of candlesticks or as decorative bookends. Conversion of antique bronze statuettes into lighting fixtures occurred frequently during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Buyers should inspect the mounting points to determine whether electrical wiring was added later to an existing sculptural piece.

How do I care for antique bronze and marble putti?

Bronze figures require minimal intervention beyond dusting with a soft, dry cloth to prevent particulate accumulation. The surface patination developed over decades should be preserved rather than aggressively polished with abrasive chemical cleaners. Marble components benefit from gentle wiping with a damp cloth, avoiding acidic substances that can etch the calcium carbonate surface. Keeping these pieces away from direct heat sources and excessive moisture protects both the stone and any underlying wooden or gilded bases.