Description
Orazio Marinali
(Bassano 1643 – Vicenza 1720)
vers 1700
Putti jouant avec oiseau
(Allégorie de l’Air?)
marbre blanc
39 x 62 x 22 cm
Etude critique de Dr Monica De Vincenti
The group depicts two Cherubs contending for a bird and is clearly attributable to Orazio Marinali. The subject is linked to Roman classic era and had a great fortune from Renaissance – and in 17th and 18th century most of all – both in sacred and in profane paintings and sculpture: a variety of children figures were used for decorative, but also for allegorical purposes. A not clear meaning is shown in our marble bust as well: it could represent a simple childish playful quarrel or an allegory instead, due to the presence of the bird, a representation of Air. […]