In despair, Olympia throws herself on the bed, illustration for Canto X, verse 27, of Lodovico Ariosto’s ‘Orlando Furioso’ c. 1780s

Jean-Honoré Fragonard captured a moment of raw emotion in this wash and pencil illustration, depicting a scene from Lodovico Ariosto’s ‘Orlando Furioso’. The composition surges with dynamic energy as Olympia throws herself onto the bed. Fragonard masterfully uses line and wash to convey the depth of Olympia’s despair. See how the sweeping lines of her body and the drapery create a sense of movement, almost as if we’re witnessing the event unfold in real time. The monochromatic palette heightens the drama, focusing our attention on the interplay of light and shadow. Note the dark washes that define the contours of her form, contrasting with the lighter areas that suggest a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The loose, gestural quality of the drawing adds to the emotional intensity. Fragonard’s expressive handling of the medium perfectly captures the character's turmoil. This illustration transcends its literary source material through its formal qualities, becoming a profound meditation on human suffering and the power of art to evoke empathy.