Renaldo Arresting the Aim of Almida
Robert Sayer Mezzotint, 1787
Robert Sayer Mezzotint, 1787
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Renaldo arresting the aim of Almida to prevent her purpose of Suicide, Plate 115 Robert Sayer (1725-1794), No. 53 Fleet Street, London: March 23, 1787 Mezzotint, uncolored 13.5 x 9.75 inches image 15 x 10.75 inches overall $250 |
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The knight Renaldo holds Almida, a young woman, grasping her wrist to prevent her from killing herself with an arrow, while a cherub looks on, probably signifying that they have fallen in love. Evidently this is a variant of the story Armida and Rinaldo, characters who first appeared in an epic poem called Jerusalem Delivered by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso (1544-95), and subsequently became popular characters in operas, poems and paintings.
In Jerusalem Delivered, Armida is a powerful enchantress who offers her services to the defenders of Jerusalem during the first Christian crusade. She lures the knights, including Rinaldo and Tancred, into a magic garden where they are overcome by a dreamy state of apathy. In some versions of the story, Rinaldo is the only one able to resist Armida's spell, and while Armida is initially angered by this, when she raises her dagger to kill him, she realizes she is in love with him and cannot follow through. This development is very disturbing to her. Over the course of a 50-year career, Robert Sayer became one of the leading 18th Century publishers of maps, charts, and prints. He also produced prints after George Stubbs, illustrations for novels, books on carpentry, and printed music. Condition: Generally very good with the usual light toning, wear, soiling, soft creases. Few short marginal tears professionally restored. Edges a bit worn. Reference: Maxted, Ian. The London book trades 1775-1800: a preliminary checklist of members. UK: Devon County Council, 2001, http://www.devon.gov.uk/library/locstudy/bookhist/lons.html |