Pair of Goa Portuguese Cherubs or Putti

Goa Portuguese

Liekly 18th century | Item 2165

This pair of Goa Portuguese putti are made of a heavy, tropical wood and date to the 18th century. They were likely used in a larger display, now isolated as solitary twins. They are charming and sweet. While sometimes confused with “cherubs,” which are biblical angels from the Old Testament with specific multiple-faced, winged forms, putti are a secular or devotional art motif derived from figures like Cupid or Greek EROS. The term “putti” is Italian for “little boy” and refers to these charming figures, which can represent either profane (secular) or divine themes.

“Goa Portuguese”, refers to the historical Portuguese colonization of the Indian region of Goa from 1510 to 1961, which left a lasting impact on Goan culture, architecture, and the Portuguese language’s presence in the region, though the colonies are now incorporated into India. The former Portuguese colony of Goa was a strategic hub for the spice trade and the capital of Portuguese territories in Asia for centuries. 

Price
$1,200 for the pair
Dimensions 11 1/2" long
Condition Very good. One arm was broken and glued on at the shoulder, the same arm also had a break at the wrist.
Provenance A private collection in Massachusetts
18th century pair of Goa Portuguese putti, cherubs, hard tropical wood available at the James Compton Gallery
This shows the repaired shoulder break.