Attributed to Artus II Quellinus (1625-1700) | Southern Netherlandish, Antwerp, second half 17th century | Allegory of Earth as a Putto

This charming terracotta figure of a putto can be attributed to the important Southern Netherlandish sculptor Artus Quellinus the Younger. Identifiable as an Allegory of Earth, the putto probably formed part of a series representing the Four Elements. A pair of allegorical marble sculptures by Quellinus representing the seasons Autumn and Summer, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, provide close iconographic and stylistic parallels to the present work. Compare also a terracotta relief by the sculptor in the Brussels Royal Museum of Fine Arts (inv. no. 2422), which shows a strikingly similar treatment of the hair, face and drapery, and positioning of the legs.

Born in Sint-Truiden, Artus Quellinus the Younger came from a family of sculptors and painters. He was probably taught by his cousin, the famous Baroque sculptor Artus I Quellinus 'the Elder', with whom he collaborated on the decorations of Amsterdam’s city hall. He subsequently spent time in Italy, before settling in Antwerp in 1663, where he received numerous significant commissions. Stylistically, Artus Quellinus the Younger played an important role in the evolution of Flemish sculpture from High to Late Baroque. Initially influenced by Artus I, who had worked in the studio of François Duquesnoy, he later developed a more dramatic and expressive form, in the style of Gianlorenzo Bernini and Lucas Faydherbe. This is reflected in his preference for graceful bodies, flowing drapery and tousled hair, as exemplified in the present sculpture.