Rinaldo and Armida (Cupid), François Boucher, 1734 by Atelier Liesjes

About "Rinaldo and Armida (Cupid), François Boucher, 1734"

by Atelier Liesjes

About the artwork

Jerusalem Redeemed (La Gerusalemme liberata) is an epic poem written by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso and first published in 1581. The story tells largely in fiction about the First Crusade in which the Christians, led by Godfrey of Bouillon, battle the Muslims for the Siege of Jerusalem.

The witch Armida visits the Christian camp and her seduction skills pit the knights against each other, a large group of them voluntarily going with her to be transformed into animals. Armida tries to kill the strongest knight Rinaldo, but she falls in love with him and takes him to a magic island.

Armida is a sorceress from Damascus, she manages to enchant the warlord Rinaldo so much that he remains under her spell.

Rinaldo is one of the best Christian knights. He is seduced by Armida but eventually manages to escape her magic.

Here the couple, the man and the woman, sit under Roman buildings. The girl is scantily clad, topless so that her breasts and shoulders are naked. Her legs are also partly bare. Next to her is the warrior, the soldier, in his uniform. With them several angels or putto as cupid.

All in all a sexy and sensual erotic picture with romance.

Francois Boucher (Paris, France 29 September 1703 - 30 May 1770) was a painter from the French school of the rococo. In 1723 he won the Grand Prix competition. The artist is known for his lovely, romantic and sweet paintings with sensual undertones.