Anton Van Dyck (after), Rinaldo and Armida
Oil on canvas, 132 cm x 102 cm
The painting is unsigned and is a copy of a work by Anton van Dyck, most likely made in the 19th century. The copyist based his work on an engraving depicting the composition of the original housed in the Louvre or on other paintings based on that engraving. This is indicated, among other things, by the mirror-image arrangement of the scene, characteristic of copying from an engraving.
A painting housed at the Museum of King John III’s Palace in Wilanów features a similar composition: analogous elements are visible there, such as the arrangement of the figures, the city in the background, and the characteristic white-feathered broom. Additionally, the Wilanów version shows a further portion of the scene on the right-hand side that was not included in the 19th-century copy.
Condition: Good (the varnish has darkened over time, and there are slight, localized flaking in the paint on the right side of the painting. Traces of canvas lining are visible on the reverse side)
[KP]
