This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Mythology & Putti

Mythology & Putti

MONOGRAMMIST NDB (C. 1520-50)

Cupids at Play

dated 1544

Chiaroscuro woodcut, from three blocks, printed in green | 39.7 x 29.0 cm (print) (sheet of paper) | RCIN 851921

A chiaroscuro woodcut after a design traditionally ascribed to Raphael, as suggested by the inscription on plate crediting Raphael with the invention of the composition. Dated on a tablet held by a putto hanging from a tree at upper centre. Signed with printmaker's monogram at lower left: NDB.

Scholars have pointed out connections between this composition and the so-called 'Giuochi di putti', a set of tapestries designed by Giovanni da Udine/Tommaso Vincidor and woven in Flanders for Leo X. For further discussion, see Bibliographic References.

Another chiaroscuro woodcut by the Monogrammist NDB of a related composition at RCIN 851879.
  • Creator(s)

    Monogrammist NDB (c. 1520-50) (wood cutter)

    After a work attributed to Raphael (1483-1520) (designer)

  • 39.7 x 29.0 cm (print) (sheet of paper)

    30.0 x 40.8 cm (backing sheet) (sheet of paper)

  • Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)

  • Subject(s)
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Biological sciences
        • Zoology
          • Animals
            • Mythical creatures
              • Putti
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • prints
  • Other number(s)

    Ruland p.142 B.XI.1