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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