John Reading Anna Ancher Van der Stighelen

Van der Stighelen

according to the poet

the painting has always been the subject of speculation and conflicting interpretations

Tasso introduced his poem with an Allegoria in which he explained how many of the characters and events in the ""Gerusalemme Liberata"" symbolized different concepts

between a winged Cupid and a small satyr

John Reading Anna Ancher Van der StighelenJohn Reading (1677 or c. 1685 6? 1764): acting organist of Dulwich College, 1700 2; master of the choristers at Lincoln Cathedral, 1703; organist in London from 1708; published two books of songs and anthems; the air 'Adeste Fideles' (familiar as '0 come all ye faithful') has been attributed to him. The identification of the sitter is traditional.