Lot 75: 17th Century Italian School - Cavalry Battle

The colour palette, dominated by earthy and ochre tones, is enriched by touches of sky blue in the sky and vibrant details, such as the red of the central horseman. Lighting plays an essential role, highlighting certain elements of the scene, such as the reflections on the helmets and armour, while other areas remain in shadow, reinforcing the sensation of depth and volume.

The pictorial treatment suggests a Baroque influence, visible in the drama of the figures and the interest in capturing the movement and emotion of the moment. The background, with a silhouette of distant fortresses and undulating terrain, provides an ambiguous but suggestive geographical context, evoking the great European battles of the period. The work is part of the tradition of war genre painting, popularized in Italy by artists such as Salvator Rosa, who explored the tension between nature and human conflict. This piece not only captures the brutality of the confrontation, but also conveys an atmosphere charged with heroism and tragedy, distinctive characteristics of Italian Baroque art.  Dimensions: 80 x 104 cm.