Artwork

Putti Leading a Goat

Putti Leading a Goat, by Giovanni Francesco Costa, watercolor, 1747
Putti Leading a Goat, by Giovanni Francesco Costa, watercolor, 1747

Putti Leading a Goat is a watercolor print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Francesco Costa. It dates from 1747 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Putti Leading a Goat is a print created by Giovanni Francesco Costa around 1747 using etching and hand-coloring techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two putti, or winged boys, guiding a goat adorned with a garland of green leaves, red berries, and flowers, evoking a sense of a festive or ritual scene.

Technique & Style

The artwork combines etched lines with watercolor washes, achieving a light, sketchy effect. The colors used are subdued yet warm, with the green and red hues contrasting against the paper's light tone.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.