copy, Erminia and the Shepherds
Name/Title
copy, Erminia and the ShepherdsEntry/Object ID
1979.31.016Description
"Erminia and the Shepherds". Italian. artist unknown. oil on canvas. 17th century. Guercino's masterpiece is a literal interpretation of stanzas 6 and 7 from the seventh canto of the poem: 38'' x 51'' NEEDS CONSERVATION She rose; and gently, guided by her ear Came where an old man on a rising ground In the fresh shade, his white flocks feeding near, Twin-baskets wove, and listened to the sound Trilled by three blooming boys, who sate disporting round. They at the shining of her silver arms, Were seized at once with wonder and despair, But sweet Erminia soothed their vain alarms, Discovering her dove's eyes, and golden hair. The young woman in armor is Erminia, a pagan princess who has fallen hopelessly in love with the noble Crusader Tancred. Tancred, however, favors Erminia's friend Clorinda, the great Persian warrior maiden. Learning that Tancred lies wounded, Erminia determines to go to him secretly, and sets out disguised in Clorinda's armor. Some Christian soldiers, taking her for their enemy Clorinda, pursue her. On her fleet horse she evades them, only to become lost in a forest, where she falls asleep. On awakening, she hears music and comes upon an aged shepherd and his three sons. They are frightened at first, but Erminia removes her helmet, revealing herself as a damsel in distress rather than a ruthless warrior.Artwork Details
Medium
Canvas, Paint, Oil PaintMade/Created
Artist Information
unknown
Guercino
Date made
1648 - 1649Ethnography
Culture/Tribe
Italian