Portret van Torquato Tasso 1658

"Portret van Torquato Tasso" is an etching by Crispijn van de Passe (II) created in 1658. The piece is a portrait of the Italian poet Torquato Tasso, known for his epic poem *Jerusalem Delivered*. The etching depicts Tasso in a circular frame, surrounded by figures that symbolize his poetic talent and the power of his verse. Tasso is flanked by two figures, a winged figure representing Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, and prophecy, and a woman representing Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom. Two cherubs hold the frame aloft. The inscription below Tasso's portrait alludes to his epic poetry and his mental instability. The etching is currently in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.