Several of the shops in the central area of Lucca have rather appealing little cherubs adorning their facades. I wondered if a smooth talking cherub salesman had gone through the city at some stage, leaving with a lighter sample case and a heavier purse.
They each have their own personality, someone put time and effort into their design and production. Those who know about such things might be able to tell us what they’re made from. Is it glazed terracotta?
My favourite is the little fellow wearing what seems to be a loin cloth that doesn’t quite do its job.
.
Hello World 
at least one of them looks a little strained, like it’s too much to bear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life’s not easy for these little cuties, it seems!
LikeLike
Ooh! I like these little cuties!
It would be interesting to learn more about them.
I collect paintings and knick-knacks of cherubs…that I find at antique shops or thrift stores. 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a neat thing to collect! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
A certain number of people might have passed by those without noticing, Yvonne. Thanks for sharing them. Wouldn’t you love to know the story of them? Or at least make one up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s probably easier to make up our own, Eli.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And infinitely more fun, Yvonne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful collection and, as you say, must be the same artist. It’s good to know he made some sales.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now you’ve got me wondering how successful that artist was, Hilary. I suppose he may have worked for a business of some kind.
LikeLike
One of them looks like he’s being strangled…
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re sure not cookie cutter images, are they? How’s spring going in your world?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Coming along nicely as of today 😉 Snow on Wednesday was a bit of a shock. I was in the middle of explaining an exercise to a group and just went “IS THAT SNOW???” in the middle of my sentence haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope they answered in English. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course 🙂 When we all recovered from the shock!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Memo to self, “Look up, look up”. I missed these when I was in Lucca and i was there twice! Thanks for bringing them to my attention.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’ll bet you spotted lots of other interesting things, Mari.
LikeLike
I agree that he is wearing a waiter’s apron and not a loin cloth. I just hope he doesn’t spill anything hot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now, that conjures up an interesting scenario!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor thing.
LikeLike
A pedant writes: The putto with a ‘loin-cloth’ is surely sporting a waiter’s apron?
A fan writes: Gorgeous 2D images of 3D putti, demonstrating yet again that Venice is not just St Mark’s Square and cruise liners. Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, calm one. They are very appealing little putti, aren’t they? And, yes, it is a (rather truncated) apron he is wearing.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first cherub does not look happy,indeed .
I have the impression people keep the cherubs but the rest of the facade has changed
Love ❤
Michel
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now, I hadn’t thought of that, Michel. If I ever get back to Lucca, I’ll have a much closer look. Love to you folks. ❤
LikeLike
Reminded me of the dwarves of Wroclaw!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, they’d make good companions, wouldn’t they, Andrew.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking I had never seen girl cherubs before and then I read Cynthia’s comment. Now that’s sorted, I like how they all seem to be busy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I was glad Cynthia explained the difference to us. I’ll never mistake my cherubs for putti again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a nice Australian expression, John.
LikeLike
Lovely little vegemites.
LikeLike
That’s such an appealing Australian expression, John.
LikeLike
So did I do a ditto on myself?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could be, John!
LikeLike
I like their chubby little knees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aren’t they gorgeous?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting part of the world. Even the shop fronts are little works of art.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, Bun. I’m yearning to get back again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am confused….I thought that the cherubim were sexless and had wings, because they were angels.. sometimes male. The putti, on the other hand, were human children, and I notice these examples could be said to be both male and female….their longer, standing bodies seem also slightly older, less babyish than the cherubim….I am confused….
LikeLike
Then, I’ll bet these little cuties are putti, Cynthia.
Don’t be confused, just be misled by me! (And that reminds me of a co-worker who pronounced that as “mizzled.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I do love mizzled! The whole thing fizzled because I was mizzled…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s known in my family that I’m never wrong but often misled.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having met you, I do believe your family has made an accurate analysis, Andrew.
LikeLike
I enjoy the detail that you find along the way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Italy surely offers us plenty of them, Francesca.
LikeLike
Its never too late to cherish a cherub.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I heartily agree, Gerard.
I’ve started reading your book, by the way. 👍
LikeLike
Very cute – and involved in all stages of grape production or distribution? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So it seems, contented one. Next time I’m there, I hope I can find someone who knows a bit about their history.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bert has just identified the material as ‘maiolica’, thanks!
Read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiolica
LikeLike
I will be there in Lucca on Tuesday so I will check these lovely little cherubs out
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a lovely time in Lucca, Lyn.
LikeLiked by 1 person