Two Putti (Cherub Heads)
Painting on wood panel; possibly a fragment of a larger decorative scheme • Attributed to Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) and Workshop. Associated with the ceiling cycle of the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista.
Style & Movement
High Renaissance / Venetian School
Medium & Technique
Oil on panel. Employs Venetian 'colorito' technique with soft sfumato, layered glazes, and visible impasto in the highlights of the hair and foreheads.
Creation Period
Circa 1540-1550
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 45 x 45 cm; square format (fragmented)
Subject Description
The composition features two winged cherub heads (putti) nestled closely together against a dark, atmospheric background. One faces slightly downward with eyes nearly closed, while the other gazes toward the right. The work utilizes dramatic chiaroscuro to model the rounded, youthful facial features.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Shows significant signs of aging and historical intervention.
Estimated Market Value
$500,000 - $1,200,000 (Highly dependent on definitive scholarly consensus/authentication)
Auction Estimate
$400,000 - $800,000
Provenance History
Believed to be a lost panel from the ceiling decoration of the Albergo in the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, Venice. Following the suppression of the Scuola in 1806, the cycle was dispersed; many panels are now in the Gallerie dell'Accademia.
Art Historical Significance
If fully authenticated as part of the San Giovanni Evangelista cycle, this represents a rare discovery from Titian's mid-career decorative output. It showcases the artist's ability to imbue celestial figures with human warmth and weight, serving as a bridge between his classical roots and later, more expressive brushwork.
Notable Features
The fleshy rendering of the cheeks and the characteristic 'Titanesque' treatment of the curls are key identifiers. The panel's grain and thickness should correspond with the known surviving Accademia panels.
Condition Issues
Visible surface craquelure, darkened varnish, and potential overpainting in the background. Possible thinning of glazes due to past aggressive cleanings and structural stabilization of the wood panel.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning to remove oxidized varnish, stabilization of the wood support, and climate-controlled housing at 50% RH. UV and X-ray analysis recommended to confirm underdrawing and panel age.
Collector Notes
16th century Titian - lost panel from the San Giovanni Evangelista Cycle