Orlando and the Thieves 

This pen and brown ink drawing by Francesco Allegrini illustrates a scene from the epic poem "Orlando Furioso," featuring Orlando and the thieves. Notice how Allegrini uses a tree as a pivotal element, not merely as a backdrop but as a stage for human drama. The tree, a symbol of life, knowledge, and the cyclical nature of existence, appears in countless mythologies. Its association with the gallows here is particularly evocative. Think of the Hanged Man in Tarot, where suspension from a tree signifies sacrifice, transition, and a unique perspective. The motif resurfaces in medieval morality plays where trees are often depicted as the site of judgment or transformation. The juxtaposition of life-giving and death-dealing aspects of the tree underscores the complex interplay between good and evil, reflecting the turbulent emotional landscape of the poem itself. The collective memory of such symbols engages us, stirring subconscious understanding that transcends mere narrative. It’s not just a scene; it’s an echo of our shared human experience.