Artwork
Putto Visiting a Girl at a Fountain
Putto Visiting a Girl at a Fountain is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Salomon Gessner. It dates from 1771 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate: S. Gessner f. 1771; lower right in plate: 9.; by later hand, upper right in graphite: (27/10p)
About this work
Overview
Putto Visiting a Girl at a Fountain is an etching on laid paper created by Salomon Gessner in 1771.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a serene scene of a woman in an old-fashioned dress standing by a stone fountain, approached by a cherub-like child emerging from foliage. The contrast between the woman's calm demeanor and the child's playful gesture adds a layer of intrigue to the scene.
Technique & Style
The print showcases Gessner's skill with etching, a technique that allows for detailed renderings. The work is characterized by its use of black and white, creating a nuanced interplay of light and shadow amidst the natural setting.
Context
The blending of natural scenery with human figures, as seen in this etching, was a popular motif in 18th-century art, reflecting a growing interest in the relationship between humans and their environment.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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