39 - A 17th-century Roman Baroque sculptor and follower of Gian Lorenzo Bernini An Important Pair of Putti This beautiful pair of bronze sculptures, of considerable size, seems to embody Bernini’s artistic vision, which—along with that of his Bolognese counterpart Alessandro Algardi (1595–1654)—dominated the emergence of the Baroque in Rome in the early 17th century, with models that would spread throughout Europe in various forms and stylistic variations. The two cherubs, which were originally intended to support coats of arms or form part of a more elaborate scenic and architectural ensemble, are executed with great technical skill and refined artistry, featuring a naturalistic rendering of their plump flesh that blends into the gentleness of their faces, framed by broad, neatly arranged locks of hair. The eyes, with pupils outlined in the manner of Bernini, twinkle vivaciously as they gaze toward the sky, and the lips seem to part in a smile of heavenly bliss. The models that inspired them appear to be those of the numerous depictions adorning the upper portion of St. Peter’s Baldachin—in that gilded empyrean depicting the “Glory of Paradise”—a teeming array of angelic figures who, amid the clouds, sing the praises of the Most High. Our bronzes thus stand as an exemplary and precious testament to that era of artistic and cultural renewal that was 17th-century Baroque Rome. Total height 181 cm; column with base 35x35x100 cm. Cast, chiseled, and patinated bronze. The pair of cherubs was likely part of a larger composition; in fact, the flattened shape beneath their legs suggests they once rested on another support. Excellent state of preservation; slight wear on the patina; casting defects on the backs of both figures. The marble bases are not contemporary; the bronze cornucopias are likely from a later period. Chipped edges along the columns, scratches, and signs of wear. Chip marks on the edges of the white marble parts. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q7MzfFxaVPJXFCoCeGp70LwVLuoPBJ4U