Rinaldo rescued from Armida

1766–1800

Not on view

West's sketch illustrates "Jerusalem Liberata," an epic poem by Torquato Tasso published in 1581. The story tells of the crusader knight Rinaldo kidnapped by Armida, a sorceress, who takes him to a magical island where the two fall in love. Eventually, the knight's companions Carlo and Ubaldo find him, break the spell, and enable Rinaldo to return to battle. Here, the knight's friends urge him to board a skiff as Armida desperately tries to persuade him to stay.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Rinaldo rescued from Armida
Artist: Benjamin West (American, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 1738–1820 London)
Date: 1766–1800
Medium: Graphite
Dimensions: Sheet: 7 9/16 × 12 1/8 in. (19.2 × 30.8 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Harry G. Sperling Fund, 2016
Object Number: 2016.349
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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