Design for a Frieze with a Putto and Acanthus Leaves

Giulio Romano

Cleveland Museum of Art

Drawing of a putto, a small naked child with wings, on a background of acanthus leaves. The putto is in the top half, centered, with left arm raised holding an object, and right arm bent at the elbow. The putto has curly hair and facial features including eyes, nose, mouth, and neck. The putto's body is depicted with anatomical features including a navel and folds of skin on the arms. The acanthus leaves are drawn in intricate detail below the putto, flowing and curled with deep folds and creases. The leaves are symmetrical, filling the bottom half of the page in a curving design. The drawing is on aged paper with darker spots and discoloration around the edges. The drawing lines are brown, varying in thickness. Red lines cross the page in a grid pattern. The drawing fills a rectangular space defined by a thin red border.