Angelica saved by Ruggiero
- Artist: Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
- Date: 1819-39
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "Angelica saved by Ruggiero" painted in the French style by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. The painting depicts a scene from Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem, Orlando Furioso, where the Christian knight Ruggiero rescues the pagan princess Angelica from a sea monster on an island.
In this version, Ingres emphasizes the drama of the moment by placing the monster between Ruggiero and Angelica. He contrasts their smooth bodies with the hard armour, rocks, and sharp objects surrounding them, highlighting the danger Angelica faces. Notice how her pale skin stands out against the dark sea and rocks, bathed in moonlight.
Ingres had previously painted a larger version of this scene for the Palace of Versailles in 1819. Here, he reduces the seascape setting to focus on the principal action and uses meticulous detail to paint specific areas, such as the gold armour and silk cloak. This style is reminiscent of icon paintings from the Eastern Orthodox Church, reinforcing Ruggiero's status as a Christian knight.
The story of Ruggiero and Angelica had parallels with other classical and Christian stories, but this painting also has contemporary political resonance, serving as a reminder of the authority of the French monarchy and Christian values in response to the Ottoman Empire.
See it in person
Angelica saved by Ruggiero hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
