Lot number 3453 - Auction 146
ORLANDO BEFREIT OLYMPIA BEVOR SIE BEI KÖNIG OBERTO HALT UND TREUE FINDET

ATTRIBUTED TO GIULIO CARPIONI 1613 Venice - 29 January 1678 Vincenza ORLANDO RESCUES OLYMPIA BEFORE SHE IS KEPT BY KING OBERTO AND FINDS FAITHFULNESS Oil on canvas (old relined). 47 x 59 cm (F. 68.5 x 81 cm). Verso: inscribed on the canvas: 'Giulio Carpioni'. Part. old rest., old retouching. Frame. The rarely depicted theme is taken from an epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto. Orlando, a brave knight, saves the beautiful Olympia, who is being held captive by pirates (or a sea monster). After her rescue, however, Olympia confesses to Orlando that her heart already belongs to another, her beloved Bireno. Despite his own feelings, Orlando respects her love and helps her to find Bireno. However, Bireno later betrays Olympia and leaves her alone. Meanwhile, King Oberto, a noble ruler, develops a deep affection for Olympia. He offers her protection and comfort, and his sincere love finally allows Olympia to turn a new leaf in her life. The story addresses chivalry, betrayal and the healing power of true love. (Open AI's ChatGPT 40 language model, personal communication, 20 January 2025.) Provenance: Private collection, Hesse.