Torquato Tasso in het gekkenhuis bekeken door toeschouwers 1843

This 1843 lithograph by Adolphe Mouilleron depicts Torquato Tasso, an Italian poet known for his epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered," being observed by onlookers while he sits in a chair, presumably in an asylum. The dramatic lighting and Tasso's slumped posture highlight his mental anguish, suggesting a poignant portrayal of the artist's struggle with mental illness. "Torquato Tasso in het gekkenhuis bekeken door toeschouwers" is a powerful example of the Romantic movement's interest in the human condition and the depths of emotion. Mouilleron's masterful use of light and shadow, along with the nuanced expressions of the onlookers, creates a compelling scene that invites contemplation of the human experience.