Candlestick in the form of a Putto (see also 1975.1.1374, .1375, .1377)

Art Historical Context

This delightful bronze candlestick, shaped as a playful putto astride a horse, hails from Venice, Italy, around1600 or later. 26.7 cm tall, it exemplifies the city's renowned metalwork tradition, crafted from a copper alloy that has developed a characteristic dull patina shifting from reddish hues to olive green over centuries. Putti—those chubby, winged cherubs symbolizing innocence, love, and exuberance—were ubiquitous in Renaissance and Baroque art, often depicted in dynamic poses to evoke joy and movement. Venetian bronzes like this one highlight the era's mastery of lost-wax casting, allowing intricate details in the putto's curls, wings, and the horse's musculature. Produced during Venice's Golden Age as a maritime and artistic hub, such functional yet whimsical objects adorned wealthy homes, blending utility with fantasy. This piece is part of a related set (see 1975.1.1374, .1375, .1377) in the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a glimpse into 17th-century decorative arts that celebrated life's pleasures amid opulent interiors.