Rinaldo and Armida, Classical Study ink drawing, 1788
Permanent ID:
12949Date:
1788Image Description:
This drawing was executed in pen and illustrates the story of Rinaldo and Armida. The story takes place during the first crusade and tells of how Armida, a Muslim sorceress, falls in love with Rinaldo, the Christian soldier she was meant to kill. In Benjamin West's depiction Rinaldo and Armida lay in the center of the compostition surrounded by cupids while two soldiers approach from the left.This drawing is one of a small collection of drawings created by American-born artist Benjamin West (1738-1820) during his career in London (circa 1765-circa 1819).
Inscription:
Benjamin West [artist's signature in ink] (Verso)261 Classical Study : two maidens reclining on a bank outside the city walls ; cupids disporting themselves in all directions, one of the groups hastening to make the soldiers' presence known, 11 1/8 in. by 16 1/8 in., pen-and-ink, mounted, 30/-
[printed label]
s. b. & f., d. 1788 (Verso)
B West 1788 (Recto lower left)
Format:
Pen worksDimensions:
Width: 41 cm, Height: 28 cm (image)Width: 54.5 cm, Height: 41.5 cm (frame)