The Companions of Rinaldo c. 1633

"The Companions of Rinaldo" is an oil painting on canvas by French painter Nicolas Poussin, created around 1633. This dynamic scene depicts a moment from the epic poem, "Jerusalem Delivered" by Torquato Tasso, where the knight, Rinaldo, is being attacked by a serpent, while his companions fight to protect him. Poussin's characteristic clarity and precise brushstrokes are on full display in this work, showcasing a mastery of both the human form and the dramatic tension of the scene. The painting is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of classical literature.