Reclining Putto (or Cupid) in Flight
Painting on canvas • Italian School, possibly Circle of Francesco Albani or Carlo Maratta
Style & Movement
Baroque
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; employing chiaroscuro and delicate glazing in the flesh tones
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 17th century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 50 x 60 cm; Landscape format
Subject Description
A winged putto or cherub reclines horizontally across the composition, floating above dark, turbulent water against a somber, cloudy sky. The figure is draped in a reddish-orange cloth, with a focus on classical proportions and a soft, idealized morphology typical of the Bolognese school.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant darkening of the varnish and visible craquelure throughout.
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; the ornate gilded frame suggests 19th-century European collection history.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the widespread influence of the Italian Baroque decorative tradition, specifically the classicizing trend of the 17th-century Bolognese School which prioritized grace and charm in mythological decorations.
Notable Features
The high contrast between the luminous flesh and the exceptionally dark background (possibly due to pigment degradation/bitumen) creates a dramatic presence. The frame is a heavily carved 19th-century revival style.
Condition Issues
Notable yellowing and oxidation of the varnish layer; widespread stable craquelure; potential areas of old retouching visible in the dark background; slight canvas tension loss.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning and varnish removal; stabilization of any lifting paint; inspection under UV light for overpainting; climate-controlled environment (50% RH).
Collector Notes
17th c