Olindo and Sophronia 18th Century Engraving Tasso Jerusalem Delivered

Description

Olindo and Sophronia depicted in an eighteenth-century engraving illustrating an episode from Torquato Tasso’s Jerusalem Delivered. Known in French as Olinde et Sophronie this literary subject combines love and sacrifice in a dramatic setting.

The densely arranged composition brings together figures in elaborate costumes with soldiers and architectural elements. Expressive gestures guide the viewer through the scene while the surrounding crowd adds to its theatrical atmosphere. Drapery and armour provide contrasting textures within the small vertical image.

The episode concerns Sophronia’s willingness to sacrifice herself to protect the Christian community in Jerusalem. Olindo seeks to share her fate out of love. Their story gives the scene its emotional intensity and connects the engraving with the tradition of illustrated European epic literature.

Fine engraved lines describe the clothing and faces while areas of hatching create shadows and depth. The contrast between the foreground figures and the more distant architecture helps organise the crowded composition.

This Olindo and Sophronia engraving will appeal to collectors of antique literary illustrations and works inspired by Tasso. Its compact format makes it suitable for individual framing or display alongside other eighteenth-century prints.

Reference: 5403-4R791.
Subject: Olindo and Sophronia from Jerusalem Delivered by Torquato Tasso.
Period: 18th century.
Technique: burin engraving on paper.
Dimensions: 14 × 9.2 cm.

The photographs form an integral part of the description. Please refer to them for the condition and appearance of the print.