Putti with Crown
1650–1850
Classification
ornament
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-1352
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
"Putti with Crown" a charming ornament from the Smithsonian American Art, dating to the broad span of 1650–1850. Putti—those delightful, plump, winged cherubs popularized in Renaissance and Baroque artoften symbolize innocence, joy, and divine playfulness. Here, the unknown artist captures one or more putti interacting with a crown, evoking themes of celebration, victory, or heavenly reward. As a decorative ornament, it likely adorned furniture, architecture, or household items, reflecting the era's love for ornate embellishments in both European and early American contexts. This piece bridge...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...