Sculpture, Vlaamse barokke putto - Goddelijke Liefde (Caritas / Amor Divinus) - 62 cm - Oak
06
days
23
hours
40
minutes
35
seconds
Current bid
€ 2
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dési van Rhee
Over 20 years' experience in antiques with a background in art history.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,500
 | €2 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143806 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
An antique Flemish Baroque wooden putto depicting Divine Love (Caritas / Amor Divinus), ca. 1690–1740, carved in oak, measuring 62 cm high by 34.5 cm wide by 20 cm deep, unsigned, from Belgium, in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Monumental Flemish Baroque putto as allegory of Divine Love (Caritas / Amor Divinus), with a flaming heart
Southern Netherlands, ca. 1690–1740
Monumental and expressively carved Baroque putto, depicted with a flaming heart in the outstretched hand, while the other arm points powerfully upward. This combination can be interpreted as an allegory of Divine Love – Caritas / Amor Divinus: the burning heart as a symbol of fervent love and devotion to God, reinforced by the markedly heavenward gesture.
The sculpture possesses the powerful plasticity of the South Netherlandish Baroque woodcarving of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The full anatomy, dynamic pose, deeply carved curls and broad drapery create a strong play of light and shadow. The diagonal movement of both arms gives the work a particularly dynamic and theatrical character.
Historical context
In Baroque church interiors, such allegorical putti were included in monumental programs of images on altars, pulpits, confessionals and organ cases. They were not exclusively decorative, but made religious concepts visible and recognizable to the observer.
The substantial size and the constructive features at the rear and bottom make it plausible that this putto originally formed part of a larger ecclesiastical or architectural ensemble as well.
With a height of 62 cm, a powerful silhouette and a deep dark brown patina, the sculpture has a pronounced sculptural presence even apart from its original religious context. A particularly historic work of art that also forms a strong accent within both a classic and contemporary interior.
Material: carved wood, presumably hardwood, with a dark brown patinated surface finish
Dimensions: H. 62 × W. 20 × D. 34.5 cm
Condition
Age-related condition with signs of use and restoration, old cracks and seams, local wear and small losses to projecting parts, including fingers and toes. On the rear and underside there are old structural and later fastening elements, presumably related to mounting. The dark brown surface finish is probably wholly or partly of later date. See the photos, which form an integral part of the condition description.
Related putti in this auction
Within our current Catawiki offering there are two other monumental South Netherlandish Baroque putti with related religious depictions: Faith (Fides) and Repentance / Penance.
In Baroque ecclesiastical art, allegorical putti were often brought together within larger religious programs. Content-wise, the three depictions can be read as a spiritual sequence of Faith – Repentance/Penance – Divine Love: from faith, via repentance and penance, to love of God.
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 as allegory of Divine Love (Caritas / Amor Divinus), with a flaming heart
Southern Netherlands, ca. 1690–1740
Monumental and expressively carved Baroque putto, depicted with a flaming heart in the outstretched hand, while the other arm points powerfully upward. This combination can be interpreted as an allegory of Divine Love – Caritas / Amor Divinus: the burning heart as a symbol of fervent love and devotion to God, reinforced by the markedly heavenward gesture.
The sculpture possesses the powerful plasticity of the South Netherlandish Baroque woodcarving of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The full anatomy, dynamic pose, deeply carved curls and broad drapery create a strong play of light and shadow. The diagonal movement of both arms gives the work a particularly dynamic and theatrical character.
Historical context
In Baroque church interiors, such allegorical putti were included in monumental programs of images on altars, pulpits, confessionals and organ cases. They were not exclusively decorative, but made religious concepts visible and recognizable to the observer.
The substantial size and the constructive features at the rear and bottom make it plausible that this putto originally formed part of a larger ecclesiastical or architectural ensemble as well.
With a height of 62 cm, a powerful silhouette and a deep dark brown patina, the sculpture has a pronounced sculptural presence even apart from its original religious context. A particularly historic work of art that also forms a strong accent within both a classic and contemporary interior.
Material: carved wood, presumably hardwood, with a dark brown patinated surface finish
Dimensions: H. 62 × W. 20 × D. 34.5 cm
Condition
Age-related condition with signs of use and restoration, old cracks and seams, local wear and small losses to projecting parts, including fingers and toes. On the rear and underside there are old structural and later fastening elements, presumably related to mounting. The dark brown surface finish is probably wholly or partly of later date. See the photos, which form an integral part of the condition description.
Related putti in this auction
Within our current Catawiki offering there are two other monumental South Netherlandish Baroque putti with related religious depictions: Faith (Fides) and Repentance / Penance.
In Baroque ecclesiastical art, allegorical putti were often brought together within larger religious programs. Content-wise, the three depictions can be read as a spiritual sequence of Faith – Repentance/Penance – Divine Love: from faith, via repentance and penance, to love of God.
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
Wood type
Oak
Over 200 years old
Yes
Country of origin
Belgium
Style
Antique
Material
Wood
Title of artwork
Vlaamse barokke putto - Goddelijke Liefde (Caritas / Amor Divinus)
Signature
Not signed
Condition
Good condition
Height
62 cm
Width
34.5 cm
Depth
20 cm
