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
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 rev...