Who painted Coat of Arms with Three Putti?

Coat of Arms with Three Putti was painted by Hubert François Gravelot in 1736.

Where can I see Coat of Arms with Three Putti?

Coat of Arms with Three Putti is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Coat of Arms with Three Putti?

Coat of Arms with Three Putti is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Coat of Arms with Three Putti?

Museum-quality prints of Coat of Arms with Three Putti are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Coat of Arms with Three Putti

Hubert François Gravelot , 1736

Coat of Arms with Three Putti is a graphite drawing by the Baroque artist Hubert François Gravelot. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand on support, upper left in graphite: C; by later hand on support, lower right verso in graphite: II 6

About this work

Overview

Created in 1736, this drawing by Hubert François Gravelot presents a heraldic shield surrounded by three cherubic figures. Executed on laid paper, the work combines graphite shading with incised lines that were transferred to the surface, showcasing the artist’s precise handling of line and tone.

Subject & Meaning

The central element is an elaborate coat of arms, framed by three playful putti whose light gestures soften the formal heraldic motif. The inclusion of these figures reflects the Rococo taste for whimsical, decorative embellishment within otherwise serious symbols of lineage.

Technique & Style

Gravelot employed a dual method: graphite for tonal modeling and a fine incised tool to create lines that could be transferred onto the paper. This approach yields delicate shading and crisp outlines, characteristic of the Rococo’s ornamental elegance and its interest in nuanced surface treatment.

History & Provenance

Born in Paris, Gravelot relocated to London in 1732, where he became influential in disseminating Rococo aesthetics through book illustrations and designs. The drawing, dated shortly after his move, exemplifies the cross‑channel exchange of decorative styles during the early eighteenth century.

Context

During the 1730s, heraldic imagery was often adapted for decorative purposes in printed and applied arts. Gravelot’s integration of putti aligns with contemporary trends that merged aristocratic symbols with the light, airy motifs favored by the Rococo movement.

Coat of Arms with Two Eagles, Hubert François Gravelot

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Artist & collection

Artist

Hubert François Gravelot

Hubert-François Bourguignon, commonly known as Gravelot (26 March 1699 – 20 April 1773), was a French engraver, a famous book illustrator, designer and drawing-master.