MICHELANGELO Buonarroti
(b. 1475, Caprese, d. 1564, Roma)

Putti

1511
Fresco
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

The picture shows the two pairs of putti next to the throne of Joel. Simulating stone reliefs, the putti appear to support the projection of the cornice. The figures are placed symmetrically at the side of each throne, in graceful poses that at times resemble dances. They imitate and vary, with a fresh vein of creativity, the typical repertoire of Florentine Renaissance sculpture, from the singing galleries to the glazed terra-cottas.