Putto
/ˈpʊt.oʊ/noun
A representation of a naked child, especially a winged one, in Renaissance and Baroque art.
Did you know?Although putti are often mistaken for cherubs, classical putti were secular decorative figures derived from the Roman Cupid tradition, not necessarily religious angels.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*puh₂w-
“A child or small young being; the reconstructed source is debated in detail.”
Classical Latin
Latin
putus
“A boy or child.”
Late Latin
Latin
puttus
“A young child; a later form associated with the Italian descendant.”
Renaissance Italian
Italian
putto
“A child figure in art, especially a naked decorative boy.”
19th Century
English
putto
“An adopted art-historical term for a child figure, often winged.”
Modern English
English
putto
“A Renaissance or Baroque artistic figure of a naked child, commonly with wings.”
Explore more surprising origins