Rinaldo and Armida

Rinaldo and Armida at the National Gallery of Armenia depicts the famous episode from Torquato Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered, one of the most popular literary sources for Baroque and Rococo artists. The enchantress Armida's captivation of the crusader Rinaldo symbolized the conflict between duty and desire, making it a rich subject for painters exploring passion and moral struggle within a sumptuous setting. Fragonard had painted this subject earlier in his career, and returned to it with his characteristic freedom and sensuous energy. The bravura brushwork — rapid, swirling strokes building luminous effects — was applied alla prima onto canvas primed with warm ochre grounds, a technique he developed after studying Tiepolo in Venice in 1760. The lush garden setting and warm palette create an atmosphere of amorous enchantment suited to the poem's themes.

The lush garden setting envelops the lovers in Fragonard's characteristic verdant foliage. The warm palette and sensuous brushwork create an atmosphere of amorous enchantment.