Simon Vouet
French, 1590 - 1649Manufactory of Raphael de la Planche
French, active 1629 - 1661Armida Flees the Field of Battle, ca. 1633-1637
On view
Wool and silk (modern cotton lining)
Dimensions179 × 73 in. (454.7 × 185.4 cm)
Gift of Viola E. Bray, 2005.124.9
The last two tapestries bring The Story of Rinaldo and Armida to its conclusion and, with it, the epic poem. Both present scenes that occur after the great battle, which the crusaders have won despite the overwhelming number of Saracen and allied forces. The victory is due in no small part to the courageous Rinaldo, who, driven to restore his honor, fights in a frenzy of blood lust until all his opponents are dead. Seeing the defeat and destruction of her troops, Armida rides away in shame. This third and last entrefenêtre of the set shows the armor-clad sorceress riding side-saddle on a horse, pursued by Cupid who beats her with whips made from strings of pearls.
