This event is the opening episode of the second canto of Jerusalem Delivered: in order to save the Christians of Jerusalem, the innocent Sophronia accuses herself of having stolen from the mosque a sacred icon – clearly shown by the angels in the heavens –and for this she is condemned to burn at the stake. Olindo, secretly in love with her, accuses himself of the crime and is condemned to death alongside her. Clorinda, however, in “uncouth arms yclad and strange disguise/from countries far”, saves their lives. Moved by pity, she offers her support to the king in the war against the crusaders in exchange for the young pair’s freedom. Like The Struggle between Perseus and Phineus, this majestic painting is also of the finest, most sumptuous quality: the brush moves with ease from silvered whites to the palest of pinks, from cadmium yellows to opulent, velvety purples, skilfully bestowing a highly effective lighting composition on the whole.