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.

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Antique Putto Figure

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An antique putto figure brings the playful, winged infant of classical mythology into interior spaces through sculpture, lighting and porcelain.

19th century

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Tole Peinte Lamp Circa 1850

From Frank Craig Antiques

£550

FOR SALE

lighting

A Two Minton Style Cherub Candlesticks,c.1850

19th century

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A Two Minton Style Cherub Candlesticks,c.1850

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£600

FOR SALE

lighting

Antique French Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Lamp

1900 - 1920

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Antique French Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Lamp

From Rams Head Antiques

£495

FOR SALE

lighting

19th century

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A Large Pair of Bronze Figures

From Park Lodge Antiques

£4,750

FOR SALE

sculptures

Superb Pair 17th French Century Limewood Putti

17th century

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Superb Pair 17th French Century Limewood Putti

From Timberhill Gallery

£8,850

FOR SALE

sculptures

19th century

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19th Century Bronze Bacchus Group of Two Putti Playing with Grapes

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£2,800

FOR SALE

sculptures

Italian Antique (Early 20thc) Large Bronze Statue of a Boy (Baccus?) Eating Grapes

1900 - 1920

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Italian Antique (Early 20thc) Large Bronze Statue of a Boy (Baccus?) Eating Grapes

From Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

£295

FOR SALE

sculptures

Antique Bronze Figure of a Cherub Holding a Wheat Sheaf

19th century

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Antique Bronze Figure of a Cherub Holding a Wheat Sheaf

From Minerva Antiques Ltd

£390

FOR SALE

metal

19th century

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19th C. French Bronze Putto

From Beech and Springs Antiques

£225

FOR SALE

metal

19th century

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19th Century Silvered Bronze Mother and Children Dancing. By Carrier

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£3,800

FOR SALE

sculptures

Listings feature materials ranging from Carrara marble and cast bronze to soft-paste porcelain, reflecting diverse manufacturing centres across Britain, France, Germany and Italy.

Royal Worcester Child with Amphora Figurine, Kerr & Binns Period, 1857

19th century

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Royal Worcester Child with Amphora Figurine, Kerr & Binns Period, 1857

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£250

FOR SALE

ceramics

19th century

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Pair of Early 19th Century Angels

From The House of Antiques

£4,500

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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19th Century Italian Baroque Style Putti Statue

From Anthony Short Antiques

£2,200

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

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19th Century Bronze Seated Putti on Inlaid Wood Base, C 1870

From Curious Antiques

£1,895

FOR SALE

metal

Marble Sculpture by Denise Delavigne "Cupid Bound" Signed on Base

19th century

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Marble Sculpture by Denise Delavigne "Cupid Bound" Signed on Base

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£7,500

FOR SALE

sculptures

Pair of Bronze and Marble Winged Putti Candelabra

19th century

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Pair of Bronze and Marble Winged Putti Candelabra

From Cella

£2,950

FOR SALE

lighting

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Antique Putto Figure

Tole Peinte Lamp Circa 1850

A Two Minton Style Cherub Candlesticks,c.1850

Antique French Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Lamp

A Large Pair of Bronze Figures

Superb Pair 17th French Century Limewood Putti

19th Century Bronze Bacchus Group of Two Putti Playing with Grapes

Italian Antique (Early 20thc) Large Bronze Statue of a Boy (Baccus?) Eating Grapes

Antique Bronze Figure of a Cherub Holding a Wheat Sheaf

19th C. French Bronze Putto

19th Century Silvered Bronze Mother and Children Dancing. By Carrier

Royal Worcester Child with Amphora Figurine, Kerr & Binns Period, 1857

Pair of Early 19th Century Angels

19th Century Italian Baroque Style Putti Statue

19th Century Bronze Seated Putti on Inlaid Wood Base, C 1870

Marble Sculpture by Denise Delavigne "Cupid Bound" Signed on Base

Pair of Bronze and Marble Winged Putti Candelabra

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