Putto at left holding an upturned cornucopia and a garland, another seated at the right holding an urn, an allegory of the seasons (Autumn), an oval composition

Art Historical Context

This charming etching from around 1650–80 captures the spirit of autumn through two playful putti in an oval composition. One figure on the left holds an upturned cornucopia spilling forth fruits and a garland, while the seated figure on the right grasps an urn, evoking the harvest and the changing seasons. Such allegorical representations of nature’s cycles were popular in 17th-century Europe, drawing on classical motifs to celebrate abundance and the rhythms of the natural world. Created as an etching—a technique prized for its fine lines and ability to produce multiple impressions—this print reflects the Baroque era’s interest in decorative, intimate subjects. Though attributed in part to the circle of Pietro Testa, an Italian artist celebrated for his classical etchings, the work is listed as anonymous, highlighting the collaborative and often unattributed nature of printmaking at the time. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this delicate piece offers viewers a window into the period’s fascination with mythology and seasonal themes. Its modest scale invites close looking, revealing the intricate details that made such prints treasured additions to private collections.