A putto is a representation of a small, chubby child, often winged, derived from classical art and frequently adapted into religious sculpture during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These figures appear throughout European church and domestic decoration as symbols of divine presence or classical harmony.

Where were these sculptures placed?

Many of these pieces originated as architectural ornaments, mounted as wall corbels, pediments, or church altarpieces. Others functioned as freestanding figures, torchiere bases, or garden statues. In historic interiors, they added drama and religious or mythological iconography to high walls and furniture.

How do I care for wooden carvings?

Wooden sculptures require stable indoor humidity to prevent the timber from splitting or warping. Keep them away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight. Dust gently with a dry, soft brush and avoid using liquid polishes or modern cleaning chemicals on historic surfaces.

How do I distinguish age in these pieces?

Age is told through tool marks, the natural oxidation of the wood, and the wear patterns on gesso and gilding. Seventeenth and eighteenth-century pieces often display hand-chiseled tool marks beneath aged patination. Stylistic shifts, such as the transition from heavy Baroque forms to lighter Neoclassical designs, also help narrow down the period.