Souffleur, what are putti?

Goedele Pulinx, collaborator exhibitions: "Putti, singular form putto, are chubby, naked, sometimes winged little boys who often recur in Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo art. In iconographical terms, they date back to ancient times and the word derives from the Latin 'putus', meaning 'little boy'. The ancient precursors of the putti are the erotes, the winged gods who take their name from Eros, the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In Latin, Eros is known as Cupid or Amor. He was initially depicted as a youth, later as a toddler and  he often he had an arrow-and-bow in his hand, with which he shot lovers in the heart, an image of Cupid we are still familiar with."

"There are hardly any putti in medieval art, but from the Renaissance onwards, they suddenly became tremendously popular. This had to do with the renewed interest in antiquity. They were associated in particular with love, and more generally with peace, prosperity and cheerfulness. There was also a religious association, the difference between putti and angels is not always clear. Over time, they took on mostly decorative roles. They became a way to liven up a scene. This can be seen especially during the Baroque and Rococo with their exuberant, festive, theatrical art. They sometimes also symbolised abstract concepts such as virtues or seasons. They were then given appropriate props."