Note:
The subject of this painting depicts the pivotal final moment in the 1581 epic poem Gerusalemme Liberata by Torquato Tasso. Set during the First Crusade at the end of the eleventh century, the narrative follows the beautiful sorceress Armida, who intends to kill the great Christian knight, Rinaldo, but instead falls in love with him just before she strikes. She takes him away to her magical island where they live together happily and he forgets the crusade. Rinaldo’s two knight companions eventually find him, and he is convinced to return to war. Armida is heartbroken at Rinaldo’s departure and attempts suicide, but Rinaldo stops her just in time and she agrees to convert to Christianity.
 
The Cupid in this painting is based on the left-hand section of a known larger composition of the moment when Rinaldo prevents Armida from taking her life. Cupid holds Armida’s arm, which clutches an arrow, while Rindaldo shields Armida’s body with his own. One version of the composition was offered at Sotheby’s, London, Old Masters Day Sale, 5 December 2019, lot 111 (as a work by Gioacchino Assereto).