SMALL BATTLE - OIL ON CANVAS - 18TH CENTURY

This oil painting on canvas depicts a heated battle scene and is attributed to a master from the Italian or Northern European school active between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The work fits perfectly within the successful genre of "hero-less battle painting," made famous in Italy by masters such as Borgognone (Jacques Courtois) and Francesco Monti (Il Brescianino), characterized by chaotic clashes between Christian knights and Eastern militias (likely Ottoman, recognizable by their typical turbans). Descriptive Record of the Work Iconography and Composition The painting captures the dramatic climax of a close combat. The composition is dynamically orchestrated around a central figure: a knight wearing a feathered turban on a rearing white steed, shown in the act of brandishing a scimitar at an enemy infantryman. The Foreground: At the feet of the white horse, the tragedy of the conflict unfolds. On the left, a fallen Western soldier looks with terror at the animal's hoof, while desperately trying to protect his faction's white banner. On the right, the dramatic figure of a fallen horse stands out, its legs thrown upwards in a violent foreshortening, and its Eastern rider lies defeated on the ground, now helpless. The Background and Atmosphere: The fervor of the melee is amplified by a warm, earthy palette, dominated by browns, umbers, and vibrant touches of red and ochre in the clothing. The horizon is obscured by clouds of smoke and dust raised by the clash, which lend a strong dramatic charge and a typically Baroque atmosphere to the scene. Technical Analysis and State of Conservation Support and Frame: The work shows an old relining as well as a frame replaced over time. Painting Surface: The painted fabric exhibits a dense and widespread network of aging craquelure, entirely natural and uniform, confirming the period of its creation. The brushwork is rapid, textured, and lively, applied with vigorous touches to define expressive faces, drapery, and the dynamism of the horses' musculature. State of Conservation: The work is in good condition of preservation. The Frame The painting is adorned with a 19th-century carved and gilded wooden frame. Period: 18th century. Dimensions: 58 x 49 cm including the frame, 37 x 29 cm canvas only. A regular certificate of authenticity with a photograph will be issued. We assure a response to your emails within 24 hours. REGISTERED AS AN EXPERT AND CTU WITH THE COURT OF LA SPEZIA