Ruggiero Rescuing Angelica 1565

Cornelis Cort made this engraving called 'Ruggiero Rescuing Angelica' in the late 16th century, and it speaks volumes about the culture and institutions of its time. The print depicts a scene of rescue from Ariosto's 'Orlando Furioso', a popular epic poem. Ruggiero swoops down on a hippogriff to save Angelica from a sea monster. What’s striking is the setting: a detailed, imagined version of Rome. The Castel Sant'Angelo and other recognizable landmarks are mixed with classical ruins. Cort made this print in Italy, where he was a key figure in the professionalization of printmaking. He collaborated with major artists like Titian, disseminating their work through engravings. This print shows how artists catered to a growing market for classical and mythological imagery. It reflects the cultural elite's fascination with Rome, both as a historical site and a source of artistic inspiration. To understand this print better, we can look at the history of printmaking, the rise of the art market, and the cultural significance of Rome in the 16th century. These resources help us to see art as part of a much wider world.