Clorinda and Tancred
Applied Arts
Inventory number
2019.7.11.3.AA.DC.C1820.FRDescription
Silk embroidery of Clorinda and Tancred, who are heroes of an epic poem "The Liberation of Jerusalem" by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso written in 1575, that tells a largely mythified version of the First Crusade in which Christian knights battle Saracens in order to take Jerusalem. Tancred, a Christian knight, one of the heroes of poem, fell in love with the warlike Clorinda, who fought on the side of the Saracens. Not recognizing her in armor, Tancred wounded her in a duel. The dying Clorinda longed to be baptized in the Christian faith. Tancred, having collected water from a small stream in his helmet, took off her headdress and recognized his beloved. This theme is found in 17th-century painting (mainly Italian) and shows Tancred at the time of the baptism of Clorinda. He kneels in front of her in full military clothing, pouring water from his helmet. She lies on her back, her armor is partially removed, next to her is her weapon.Materials
Watercolor on silkSilk embroidery
Glass
Wood frame
Cardboard
Origin
circa 1820 FranceDimensions
Length : 55 cmHeight : 44 cm