Painting of the Month
Anthony van Dyck: 'Rinaldo conquered by Love for Armida'
The combination of relaxed and frenzied activities in this painted preparatory work offer the eye an enjoyable journey through a whirl of drapery and playful putti (the chubby infants, seen surrounding the central characters).
In the foreground, two putti pull objects from a chest while their more adventurous companion, precariously hooked over a high branch, picks fruit to throw down to a friend waiting with outstretched arms below.
Another putto to the left of the painting, straddling a large sword, seems to have spotted something behind a bush. If you look closely (or zoom in) you can see two heads wearing Spanish-style helmets, their eyes just peeking over the top branches.
The handsome Rinaldo, who appears deliriously contented as he reclines on the lap of the sorceress Armida, is being kept as a helpless, lovesick prisoner. Armida, checking her reflection in a mirror held up by another putto, looks pleased with herself; she has successfully thwarted the efforts of the first crusade by distracting the soldier Rinaldo.
But will she manage to keep him in her enchanted garden? Who are the mysterious men spying behind the bush and why is this painting so devoid of colour?
Find out more at this month's 10-minute talks – every Friday at 4pm.
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See also
- Get a quick insight into the painting – Fridays at 4pm
- Free art: download this month's focus painting
