Clorinda Saving Olindo and Sofronia from the Stake

Torquato Tasso’s celebrated poem, Jerusalem Delivered, tells of heroism, love and magic during the First Crusade. Here we see two young lovers tied to the stake as Clorinda, a Muslim warrior, rides in to save them. The quality is extraordinary, and we are invited to savour the artist’s skill as our eye wanders through the busy scene. Poelenburg included a self-portrait: he sits on horseback to the left, looking at us.