Rinaldo and Armida (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
The Vélins du Roi was a workshop established in
the service of the king of France in the 17th century.
It brought together a team of talented artists who
specialized in gouache (opaque watercolor) on vellum,
and the extremely refined works they produced were
usually presented as gifts to members of the court.
This gallant scene was inspired by one of the most
beloved epic poems of the time, Jerusalem Delivered
by 16th-century Italian poet Torquato Tasso. The tale
recounts the seduction of Rinaldo, a brave knight, by
the beautiful sorceress Armida, who bewitches him and
holds him captive. The love between them embodied
a chivalrous ideal epitomized by men with effeminate
qualities, appealing to the period’s gallant culture
of preciosité. In the scene’s background, Rinaldo’s
companions have arrived to rescue him by breaking
the spell, so he might return to war and a more
masculine behavior.
The Jordan and Thomas A. Saunders III Collection
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
