Sculpture, Vlaamse barokke putto - ‘Berouw / Boetvaardigheid’ - 65 cm - Wood
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Selected by Dési van Rhee
Over 20 years' experience in antiques with a background in art history.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,500
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Monumental Flemish Baroque seated putto carved in oak, dating from circa 1690–1740, with a large fish on the lap, unsigned and in good condition, measuring 65 cm high, 30 cm wide and 31 cm deep, originating from Belgium.
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Description from the seller
Monumental Flemish Baroque putto 'Repentance / Penitence' with fish
Southern Netherlands, ca. 1690–1740
Monumental seated putto, carved from oak, with a large fish on its lap. The figure brings one hand to the face and seems to wipe away a tear. The bent head, the downcast gaze, and the restrained facial expression give the scene a strikingly melancholic and contemplative character.
The powerful anatomy, full body forms, deeply cut curls, and heavy drapery folds are characteristic of the Southern Dutch Baroque woodcarving of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Particularly fine is the fish, worked out with clearly carved scales, fins, gills, and head.
Iconography
The combination of the grieving posture and the fish makes an interpretation as Repentance / Penitence plausible. Within the Christian tradition, fish was associated with fasting and abstinence among other things. In combination with the gesture of sorrow, the sculpture can be read as an allegory of inward remorse and penitence. Without the original ecclesiastical context, however, this identification remains cautious.
Given the monumental size and the constructive features, the putto was presumably part of a larger ecclesiastical ensemble, for example an altar, pulpit, confessional, organ case, or other richly carved church furnishings. Such allegorical putti united religious meaning with a distinctly decorative function in Flemish Baroque art.
With a height of 65 cm, a powerful silhouette, and a deep dark reddish-brown appearance, the statue today is also a particularly sculptural object for a classic, eclectic, or contemporary interior.
Material: carved oak, with later dark brown surface treatment.
Dimensions: H. 65 × W. 30 × D. 31 cm
Condition
Good age-related condition with old joints, shrinkage and drying cracks, wear, and minor damages appropriate to age and use. A portion of the fish’s tail is missing. There is a wooden mounting pin on the underside, presumably related to the original assembly within a larger wooden construction. The dark brown, locally glossy surface treatment is probably of later date. See the photographs for a full impression of execution and condition.
Seller's Story
About Art Dumay
Art Dumay is a professional art company in Nuenen, the Netherlands, with over 25 years of experience in buying, selling and valuing fine art.
We offer a carefully selected range of modern, contemporary and classical artworks to collectors worldwide.
Every artwork is professionally assessed, securely stored and carefully packed for shipment. We use appropriate protective materials and specialised transport solutions where needed.
With expertise, reliability and personal service at the heart of our business, we aim to make buying art online safe, transparent and enjoyable.
Art Dumay — from our collection to yours.
Translated by Google TranslateMonumental Flemish Baroque putto 'Repentance / Penitence' with fish
Southern Netherlands, ca. 1690–1740
Monumental seated putto, carved from oak, with a large fish on its lap. The figure brings one hand to the face and seems to wipe away a tear. The bent head, the downcast gaze, and the restrained facial expression give the scene a strikingly melancholic and contemplative character.
The powerful anatomy, full body forms, deeply cut curls, and heavy drapery folds are characteristic of the Southern Dutch Baroque woodcarving of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Particularly fine is the fish, worked out with clearly carved scales, fins, gills, and head.
Iconography
The combination of the grieving posture and the fish makes an interpretation as Repentance / Penitence plausible. Within the Christian tradition, fish was associated with fasting and abstinence among other things. In combination with the gesture of sorrow, the sculpture can be read as an allegory of inward remorse and penitence. Without the original ecclesiastical context, however, this identification remains cautious.
Given the monumental size and the constructive features, the putto was presumably part of a larger ecclesiastical ensemble, for example an altar, pulpit, confessional, organ case, or other richly carved church furnishings. Such allegorical putti united religious meaning with a distinctly decorative function in Flemish Baroque art.
With a height of 65 cm, a powerful silhouette, and a deep dark reddish-brown appearance, the statue today is also a particularly sculptural object for a classic, eclectic, or contemporary interior.
Material: carved oak, with later dark brown surface treatment.
Dimensions: H. 65 × W. 30 × D. 31 cm
Condition
Good age-related condition with old joints, shrinkage and drying cracks, wear, and minor damages appropriate to age and use. A portion of the fish’s tail is missing. There is a wooden mounting pin on the underside, presumably related to the original assembly within a larger wooden construction. The dark brown, locally glossy surface treatment is probably of later date. See the photographs for a full impression of execution and condition.
Seller's Story
About Art Dumay
Art Dumay is a professional art company in Nuenen, the Netherlands, with over 25 years of experience in buying, selling and valuing fine art.
We offer a carefully selected range of modern, contemporary and classical artworks to collectors worldwide.
Every artwork is professionally assessed, securely stored and carefully packed for shipment. We use appropriate protective materials and specialised transport solutions where needed.
With expertise, reliability and personal service at the heart of our business, we aim to make buying art online safe, transparent and enjoyable.
Art Dumay — from our collection to yours.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Country of origin
Belgium
Material
Wood
Title of artwork
Vlaamse barokke putto - ‘Berouw / Boetvaardigheid’
Signature
Not signed
Condition
Good condition
Height
65 cm
Width
30 cm
Depth
31 cm
