Erminia and the Shepherds (a scene from Torquato Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberata) 1650 - 1700

This anonymous 17th-century drawing depicts a scene from Torquato Tasso's *Gerusalemme Liberata*, a famous epic poem. The artwork, likely a preparatory study for a larger painting, shows the character of Erminia seeking refuge with a group of shepherds. The delicate red chalk lines of the drawing contribute to the scene's sense of tranquility and drama, emphasizing Erminia's emotional state. The composition, with its diagonal lines, creates a sense of movement and emphasizes the central figure. *Erminia and the Shepherds*, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the artistic practice of an anonymous artist in the 17th century.