Erminia Finding the Wounded Tancred
About this artwork
This large dramatic painting illustrates a scene from Torquato Tasso's great epic poem about the Crusades: Gerusalemme Liberata (Jerusalem Delivered) (1581). Erminia has rushed to the spot where her lover Tancred lies severely wounded. His squire Vafrino kneels over him. The complementary poses, gestures and expressions of the three figures reflect their emotions and the poignancy of the moment. The sombre hues of the landscape enhance the gravity of the event. Cardinal Fabrizio Savelli, Papal Legate of Bologna, commissioned the picture in 1650, but allowed the Duke and Duchess of Mantua to buy it from the artist in 1652.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri) (1591 - 1666) Italian
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title:Erminia Finding the Wounded Tancred
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date created:About 1650
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:244.00 x 297.00 cm; Framed: 286.00 x 327.70 cm
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credit line:Purchased by Private Treaty with the aid of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Art Fund, and corporate and private donations, 1996
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accession number:NG 2656
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri)
Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri)
Guercino was a highly original and lyrical painter and draughtsman. He was born Giovanni Francesco Barbieri in Cento near Bologna (his nickname 'Guercino' means 'squint-eyed'). He was largely self-taught, but was strongly influenced by the bold figure painting of the Carracci family and the...
