.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The story of 'Rinaldo and Armida' forms part of the epic poem Gerusalemme Liberata or Jerusalem Delivered first published in 1581, by the 16th Century Italian poet Torquato Tasso (1544-1595). The poem relays the various combats between Christians and Muslims at the end of the First Crusade to regain the grave of Christ and ends with the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 and the establishment of a Christian kingdom. Goffredo (Godfrey of Bouillon), leader of the First Crusade, and Rinaldo, captain of the Christian forces, lead their troops to free Jerusalem from the Saracen king, Argante. Argante's ally, the Queen of Damascus and enchantress Armida vows to stop Rinaldo and enters the Christian camp to stab him. Stunned by his beauty, Armida falls in love with Rinaldo and decides to capture him. Goffredo and fellow knight Eustazio manage to free Rinaldo from Armida's clutches, later ensuring the victory of Christian forces.
This tapestry is signed 'IFVH', the abbreviation used by Frans I van der Hecke (d. 1675) while the borders and general style of this tapestry place it in the early 18th Century when Frans II is recorded as dean of the Brussels weaver's guild.
This tapestry is signed 'IFVH', the abbreviation used by Frans I van der Hecke (d. 1675) while the borders and general style of this tapestry place it in the early 18th Century when Frans II is recorded as dean of the Brussels weaver's guild.