Niccolò Roccatagliata
(Genoa, 1539 - Venice, 1634)
Winged Cupid with quiver
Black lacquered and brown patinated bronze
Dimensions: H. cm. 23
Niccolò Roccatagliata was mainly active in Venice where he absorbed the influences of Venetian Mannerism from Sansovino, Campagna, and Vittoria. He became famous especially for his original production of small bronzes. The typology was that of the little angel or winged putto, which, by adding a distinctive attribute from time to time, became sometimes a musician, sometimes a cupid. Common factors remained the plump muscular masses, the slight movements, the angelic gazes framed by abundant curls. In our putto, the face is smiling while with the right hand he holds a bow. On the left side, the quiver is held by a ribbon that goes around the shoulder.
The gaze turned to the left contrasts with the direction of the legs, and the left hand near the chest expresses the character of one of the classic iconographies of Cupid caught by Venus after having combined one of his usual deeds.
The bronze is presented in a good state of conservation, with its original black lacquer with patina. The bronze casting presents an accentuated presence of copper which turns its color towards a slightly pinkish yellow.
Comparative bibliography:
Philippe Cros, Bronzes de la Renaissance Italienne, Fondation Bemberg, Toulouse, Somogy editions, 1996, pp. 80-85, fig. 1-2.
Anthony Radcliffe, The Robert H. Smith Collection, Bronzes 1500-1650, London, Zwemmer, 1994, pp. 128-131, fig. 5-8.
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