Artwork
A Wine Decanter with Lions and Putti
A Wine Decanter with Lions and Putti is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Wine Decanter with Lions and Putti is a drawing created by the Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters in 1660. It is executed in pen and brown ink with blue wash over graphite on light beige laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a fantastical scene featuring a decanter emerging from a twisted tree trunk, surrounded by putti and lions. The putti climb the tree towards the decanter, while the lions encircle the roots. The imagery may allude to themes such as abundance or protection.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by its use of ink and light blue shading, lending it a sketchy, dreamlike quality. The artist's rendering of gnarled branches and playful putti suggests a blend of naturalistic and fanciful elements.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters
Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters (1650–1670) was an artist.
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