Two Designs for Statues: Putto with Cock, Friendship and Fidelity
mid- 19th century
Classification
sculpture
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund
Accession Number
1938-88-663
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Pietro Belli (1780–1828), an Italian artist known for his sculptural designs, created *Two Designs for Statues Putto with Cock, and Fidelity* in the mid-19th century Though Belli's lifespan predates this date slightly, such works often emerged from workshops or posthumous attributions, reflecting the enduring appeal of Italian neoclassical traditions. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection—acquired through museum purchase and the Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund piece highlights cross-cultural exchanges, bringing European design sensibilities into American collections. The title reveals two conceptual sketches or models: one featuring a *putto*—the playful, chubby child figure iconic in Renaissance and Baroque art, here paired with a cock (likely a rooster), evoking themes of innocence, vigilance, or domestic charm. The companion design, *Friendship and Fidelity*, embodies timeless virtues through allegorical sculpture, a staple of 19th-century decorative arts. These motifs underscore the era's fascination with classical symbolism, ideal for gardens, fountains, or public monuments. Currently under research, this artwork invites us to ponder its techniques and precise medium, yet its presence in the Smithsonian sparks curiosity about how Italian ingenuity shaped global tastes. A delightful glimpse into sculptural ideation!