Erminia and the Shepherds 1648 - 1649

Guercino painted *Erminia and the Shepherds* in the 17th century. The work depicts a scene from Torquato Tasso's epic poem, *Jerusalem Delivered*, which was written during the counter-reformation. In this scene, Erminia, a princess and warrior, encounters a group of shepherds while fleeing a battle. Note how the artist juxtaposes Erminia, dressed in armor and a red skirt, with the simple pastoral scene. Her attire speaks of war and courtly life, while the shepherds represent a life of peace and simplicity. Guercino invites us to consider how identity is shaped by circumstance. Erminia's regal bearing contrasts with her vulnerable state as a refugee. The shepherds, on the other hand, represent a community rooted in place and tradition. As we consider their interaction, we're left to ponder the complexities of human experience and the search for refuge amidst conflict.