Armida en de slapende Rinaldo 1710 - 1733

Bernard Picart's engraving presents us with Armida and the sleeping Rinaldo. Here, we witness the potent symbolism of the triumph of love – "Vincit amor"– as hovering cupids aim their arrows at the slumbering knight. The figure of Cupid, derived from the classical Eros, appears across various epochs, from ancient Roman frescoes to Renaissance paintings. In each iteration, Cupid embodies desire, but his portrayal shifts. Sometimes, he is a mischievous child; other times, a powerful, commanding force. Consider also the forest setting, a classic stage for encounters with the irrational and subconscious. In the Middle Ages, the forest was a symbol of the unknown, a place of trials and initiations. Here, it envelops Rinaldo, suggesting a surrender to instinct and emotion. Such imagery taps into our collective memories, engaging viewers on a primal level with themes of seduction, vulnerability, and the eternal struggle between reason and desire. The forest, Cupid's arrow, even sleep itself—all recurring motifs, continually reshaped, reflecting our changing understanding of love.