The artwork titled “Two putti fighting mounted on goats” is a creation by Nicolas Poussin, a prominent artist associated with the Baroque era. This piece falls within the genre of mythological painting, which often depicts narratives derived from myths, capturing scenes with divine or supernatural significance.
In the artwork, two cherubic figures, commonly known as putti, are engaged in a dynamic skirmish while astride goats. These putti, often featured in mythological and religious art, embody a playful and sometimes mischievous spirit, reflecting the lighter aspects of the divine. The goats, animated and vigorous, add to the chaotic energy of the scene with their movements mirroring those of their riders.
The composition is set against a landscape that bears the hallmarks of the Baroque style: dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, a sense of movement, and a richly painted environment that serves as a backdrop for the central action. The painting’s foreground showcases a contrast between the fiercely interacting putti and the quiet, pastoral elements, such as the scattered flowers and the tranquil scenery beyond.
Poussin’s treatment of the subjects and the landscape exhibits the robust, energetic qualities characteristic of Baroque artwork. The figures’ poses and expressions convey a narrative intensity, while the surrounding elements of nature contribute to an overarching sense of ornate drama encapsulated in the scene.
