Who painted Cherub on a Vase with Inscription: "SOLI DEO HONOR"?

Cherub on a Vase with Inscription: "SOLI DEO HONOR" was painted by Peregrino da Cesena in 1500.

Where can I see Cherub on a Vase with Inscription: "SOLI DEO HONOR"?

Cherub on a Vase with Inscription: "SOLI DEO HONOR" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Cherub on a Vase with Inscription: "SOLI DEO HONOR"?

Cherub on a Vase with Inscription: "SOLI DEO HONOR" is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Cherub on a Vase with Inscription: "SOLI DEO HONOR"

Peregrino da Cesena , 1500

Cherub on a Vase with Inscription: "SOLI DEO HONOR" is a print by the Renaissance artist Peregrino da Cesena. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1500, this niello print is attributed to the Italian artist Peregrino da Cesena. It presents a solitary cherubic figure poised atop a vase, set against a deep, shadowy background that emphasizes the luminous quality of the figure and the engraved inscription.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a nude cherub with short hair, captured in a moment of potential motion as if about to step away from the vase. Above the scene, the Latin phrase “SOLI DEO HONOR” – “Honor to the only God” – is rendered, suggesting a devotional or moral dimension, though the precise intent remains open to interpretation.

Technique & Style

Executed in the niello print process, the work combines engraved lines with a darkened, metallic inlay that yields a distinctive texture and contrast. The artist’s handling of light against the dark ground highlights the figure’s form, while the crisp lettering demonstrates the precision typical of early 16th‑century printmaking.

History & Provenance

The print is documented as part of Peregrino da Cesena’s output in the early Renaissance, a period when niello techniques were employed for both decorative and illustrative purposes. Its survival in collections reflects the continued scholarly interest in the artist’s limited but technically notable body of work.