Figure - Puto - Wood






He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
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Wooden putto carving in folk art style, dating to circa 1650–1750, with a religion motif, from Österreich, 20 cm high, 16.5 cm wide and 18 cm deep, in beige/brown tones, one piece, condition: worn with possible missing smaller parts.
Description from the seller
Classification
Based on the stylistic features, the object can be classified as follows:
Motif: The depiction of a child angel (putto) is a classic element of Western art, which flourished especially in the Baroque (c. 1650–1750) and the subsequent Rococo. The combination of a childlike face, wing base, and the curved, decorative form suggests that this is a fragment that originally served as part of a larger ensemble (e.g., altar piece, frame, organ prospect, or another sacred/secular interior furnishing).
Stylistic features: The pronounced dynamism, the soft modeling of the facial features, and the curved line work (C- or S-curve of the wing section) are typical characteristics of Baroque carving, intended to convey movement and liveliness.
Dating:
Period: Stylistically, the piece can be placed in the 17th or 18th century (Baroque/late Baroque up to Rococo).
Note: The wood carving could originate from a southern German or Austrian workshop, as these regions are known for their rich Baroque church fittings.
Condition and material: The wood shows a distinct aging patina. The traces (small holes) could indicate an earlier worm infestation, which is common in historical woodwork. The red cord at the head is a later-added element and does not belong to the original design.
Summary: It is highly likely to be a Baroque wood carving from the 17th or 18th century. To determine the exact origin and value, an on-site inspection by an expert would be necessary (e.g., a restorer of wooden sculptures or an auction house specializing in artisanal crafts) to determine, among other things, the type of wood and the extent of remaining finishes (paint/gilding).
Classification
Based on the stylistic features, the object can be classified as follows:
Motif: The depiction of a child angel (putto) is a classic element of Western art, which flourished especially in the Baroque (c. 1650–1750) and the subsequent Rococo. The combination of a childlike face, wing base, and the curved, decorative form suggests that this is a fragment that originally served as part of a larger ensemble (e.g., altar piece, frame, organ prospect, or another sacred/secular interior furnishing).
Stylistic features: The pronounced dynamism, the soft modeling of the facial features, and the curved line work (C- or S-curve of the wing section) are typical characteristics of Baroque carving, intended to convey movement and liveliness.
Dating:
Period: Stylistically, the piece can be placed in the 17th or 18th century (Baroque/late Baroque up to Rococo).
Note: The wood carving could originate from a southern German or Austrian workshop, as these regions are known for their rich Baroque church fittings.
Condition and material: The wood shows a distinct aging patina. The traces (small holes) could indicate an earlier worm infestation, which is common in historical woodwork. The red cord at the head is a later-added element and does not belong to the original design.
Summary: It is highly likely to be a Baroque wood carving from the 17th or 18th century. To determine the exact origin and value, an on-site inspection by an expert would be necessary (e.g., a restorer of wooden sculptures or an auction house specializing in artisanal crafts) to determine, among other things, the type of wood and the extent of remaining finishes (paint/gilding).
