Winged Boy with Hands Raised

Art Historical Context

This charming bronze sculpture, created in mid-15th-century Florence, captures a winged boy with hands raised in a lively, expressive pose. Attributed simply to a Florentine artist of the period, the work reflects the Early Renaissance revival of classical motifs, where putti—playful winged figures inspired by ancient Roman art—became popular symbols of innocence, joy, and divine presence in both religious and secular contexts. Measuring just over four inches tall, the piece highlights the technical mastery of bronze casting, a medium prized in Florence for its ability to render fine details and dynamic forms on a small scale. Such intimate sculptures often served as decorative elements for furniture, fountains, or private collections, showcasing the era’s growing appreciation for antique-inspired objects among wealthy patrons. Housed in the National Gallery of Art as part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection, this work offers visitors a glimpse into the innovative spirit of Renaissance Florence, where artists blended classical ideals with emerging humanist sensibilities.