The artwork “Putti Dancing and Making Music” is a creation by Albrecht Durer from the year 1495. This piece is a fine example of the Northern Renaissance art movement and falls within the genre of mythological painting. Executed with ink on paper, it depicts a lively scene of putti—cherubic figures often featured in Renaissance art—engaged in dance and musical activities. The artwork is currently housed in the Pushkin Museum located in Moscow, Russia.
The image shows a group of six putti or chubby male children, often associated with classical mythology representing aspects of love. They are depicted in various dynamic poses: Some are dancing energetically, while others are playing musical instruments. The instruments include what appears to be a pair of small drums or tympani, a trumpet, and a tambourine, suggesting a rhythmic and festive atmosphere. The putti exhibit round, toddler-like bodies, which is common in such depictions of mythological subjects, endowing them with an innocent yet spirited character. The drawing showcases Durer’s mastery of form, movement, and detail, providing a sense of joy and merriment through its composition and the interactions of the figures.