Rinaldo en Armida 1881

Charles Courtry made this print, "Rinaldo en Armida," in the late 19th century, rendering a scene originally conceived by the celebrated Rococo artist Fragonard. The image depicts a moment of seductive languor, drawn from Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered." Made in France, this work reflects the enduring appeal of historical and mythological subjects within the French artistic tradition. Courtry’s print revives and reinterprets an earlier master's vision, raising questions about originality, reproduction, and the role of the artist as interpreter. Courtry, working within the established institution of printmaking, offers a commentary on the social structures of his time. It catered to a market eager for accessible versions of admired artworks. Understanding such prints requires that we delve into the artistic and economic contexts of 19th-century France. Art journals, exhibition records, and market analyses would provide insight. Art becomes not just an aesthetic object, but a product of its time, shaped by institutions and social forces.