A Wine Decanter with Lions and Putti
Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters
1660
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters
1660
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a twisted tree trunk with a bulbous decanter growing from its branches. Two small, winged figures—putti—climb the tree, reaching toward the decanter. A pair of lions crouch below, their bodies wrapped around the roots. The whole scene is drawn in ink with light blue shading, giving it a sketchy, almost dreamlike feel. The tree’s gnarled branches and the putti’s playful poses suggest a mix of nature and fantasy. The decanter’s odd shape and the lions’ alert stance might hint at a story about abundance or protection. Next, look up the Baroque movement to see more art that blends drama and detail like this.
