Charles and Ubalde

The subject is taken from Tasso's La Gerusalemme Liberata and also relates to the opera Armide by Gluck. In the present scene, the Knights Charles and Ubalde (seen holding the magic wand), are searching for Renaud, who is being held prisoner in the palace of Armide. While on their way to rescue him, the knights are met by a group of cunning nymphs who attempt to seduce them, though they are not fooled.

Lagrenée depicts this dramatic scene with both grandeur and tenderness, in a large and complex composition. The sumptuous nymphs emerge from the water, with clothing only partially draped over their bodies. While Ubalde stands magnificently at centre in his armor, keeping the nymphs at bay, Charles still struggles to remove his sword from the grasp of a beautiful nymph kneeling before him. A table displays a large pile of fruits, painted with great detail; a nymph beside it lifts a delicate glass of red wine.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 3 minutes): Cristoph Willibald Gluck: Paride ed Elena, Paris' aria