Francesco Graziani, known as Ciccio Napoletano (active in Naples and Rome in the second half of the 17th century)
Battle with clash of knights
Oil on canvas
cm. 95 x 130 - In period frame cm. 114 x 148
Expertise E. Negro
This interesting painting depicts a lively scene of armed combat between knights in armor, bordered on the horizon by hills and a sky traversed by white clouds illuminated by shafts of light. A ruined round tower, fortifications, and a dense column of smoke are visible. In the foreground, on the left, a knight lies fallen on the ground with his standard; in the center, two duelists are armed with pistols, and around them, numerous men on horseback are engaged in combat.
It is therefore a canvas celebrating deeds accomplished during a military campaign, although difficult to identify, likely occurring in the second half of the 17th century as evidenced by the types of armor and combatant attire.
Both the invention and the stylistic qualities of the painting strongly point to the prestigious Neapolitan school of battle painters that flourished in the second half of the 17th century, highlighting its typical stylistic characteristics. In particular, there is a thick impasto with warm, rich colors. The painting is uniformly illuminated by a particular light that serves to sculpt the volumes of the figures and smooth the forms; these hues and the marked physiognomic characteristics of the figures are effectively outlined with a few brushstrokes.
This artistic current was led by accomplished masters such as Salvator Rosa, Jacques Courtois known as Borgognone, and Marzio Masturzo. However, our painting can be readily linked to the works of Francesco Graziani, known as Ciccio Napoletano (active in Rome and Naples during the second half of the 17th century), although the singular brilliance of the colors and the luminosity of the scene would not make the painting out of place alongside similar compositions by the previously mentioned battle painters.
Despite the scarce certain data regarding Francesco Graziani's training (many sources report he was a student of Borgognone) and subsequent activity, it is known that in the last decades of the 17th century he moved from Naples to Rome, soon becoming a highly acclaimed painter among the Roman clientèle.
The general character of his works presents a synthesis of rapid touches and vigorous emphasis perfectly attributable to Graziani's oeuvre, who composed his scenes with crowded movements where figures are delineated with a rapid, nervous, almost curled stroke, invigorated by effective touches of light.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is completed by a beautiful antique frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.
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