Putti Holding a Shield with the Arms of the Bentivoglio [reverse]

Sperandio

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a round medallion with a relief of two Cupid-like figures facing each other. The figures, which are of young children with wings, are standing on either side of what appears to be a stylized flame or lightning. Their arms are outstretched towards each other. Both figures have textured hair and are rendered in a way that emphasizes their cherubic forms. The color of the sculpture is predominantly dark bronze. At the bottom of the medallion, there is an inscription that reads "OPVS SPERANDER." The texture and detailing of the feathers on the wings and the curled hair provide a sense of intricacy and depth, and the entire piece has a polished look with variations in tone that highlight the relief work.