German, probably Augsburg, second quarter 17th century

The supreme quality of this frame carved in high relief and undercut beneath the torsos and arms of the interlacing putti reveals a high degree of virtuosity. Indeed, the minute details in the carving of the chariots and the triumphant armoured putto below are reminiscent of the detailed precision of goldsmith's work. 

The putti are evocative of the Italian Baroque school, and in particular the work of Duquesnoy. However, the presence of the auricular scrolls on the corners of the frame indicate a date still considerably influenced by the internationalist mannerist style.

For an analogous depiction of a young child compare with the drawing of a putto with a panther by Georg Petel dating to 1630 and illustrated by Feuchtmayr.

RELATED LITERATURE
Feuchtmayr et al., fig 142, 107-109