Two Cherubs (detail of the Sistine Madonna) by Raffaello Sanzio Raphael, ca.1512-4
Cherub
Origin: Abrahamic mythology
Combination: human + wings
Classification: Celestial
Other Names: Putto, Amorino, Amoretto
Associations: innocence, divine love, protection
Cherubs are celestial beings mentioned in Abrahamic traditions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They are often depicted as winged children associated with divine love and protection, similar to angels. Cherubs symbolize purity, innocence, and the connection between humans and the divine realm. In religious art and iconography, cherubs are often depicted as guardians or attendants of deities, conveying a sense of divine presence and benevolence. They are commonly represented as winged infants or young children, reflecting their association with innocence. Cherubs are also sometimes representative of Cupid.