Torquato Tasso opgesloten in het gekkenhuis 1830 - 1880

"Torquato Tasso opgesloten in het gekkenhuis" is a lithograph created by Adolphe Mouilleron between 1830 and 1880 and currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts a scene of the Italian poet Torquato Tasso, known for his epic poem "Gerusalemme Liberata", confined to an asylum. The work is a powerful illustration of Tasso’s mental struggles and the harsh realities of 16th-century mental health treatment. The lithograph is characterized by its dramatic lighting and skillful use of shading, creating a sense of depth and emotion. The viewer is drawn to the figure of Tasso, his forlorn posture and pained expression emphasizing his isolation and suffering. This artwork provides a glimpse into a historical period and sheds light on the tragic life of a literary genius.