Statue of Putti and Dog

Outdoors at Rosecliff Mansion, one of Newport’s notable summer cottages for the wealthy at the turn of the 20th century, site of lavish parties and set for the film “The Great Gatsby,” I was struck by this simple statue of putti struggling with a very mean looking dog. They are attempting to pull him off a third cherub who he has pinned to the ground. Is it an allegory of love conquering the beast within? I am not sure, but this struggle out in the sun overlooking the ocean made for an engaging group, all swirling about in their mythological flap.

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