Artwork

Olindo and Sophronia Saved by Clorinda

Olindo and Sophronia Saved by Clorinda, by Jean-Pierre Norblin, ink, 1788
Olindo and Sophronia Saved by Clorinda, by Jean-Pierre Norblin, ink, 1788

Olindo and Sophronia Saved by Clorinda is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Jean-Pierre Norblin. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jean-Pierre Norblin's drawing, Olindo and Sophronia Saved by Clorinda (1788), depicts a dramatic rescue scene in a chaotic setting, executed in pen and brown ink, brown wash, watercolor, and graphite on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing illustrates a pivotal narrative moment, likely from a literary source, where a half-dressed woman (Sophronia) is being abducted from a balcony, contrasted with her rescue by Clorinda amidst a panicked crowd and horses below. The specific story context is not provided here, but the scene's intensity and the figures' actions imply a narrative of conflict and intervention.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, sketchy lines and predominantly muted browns and grays with pale sky accents, the work suggests a quick, expressive study rather than a highly finished piece. The combination of media (pen, ink, wash, watercolor, and graphite) contributes to its dynamic, spontaneous appearance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1788, specific details about the drawing's commission, exhibition history, or ownership prior to its current location are not provided.

Context

While stylistic comparisons to Baroque art are noted for viewers' reference, the drawing's own historical context within Norblin's oeuvre or broader late 18th-century artistic trends is not elaborated here.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.