Jacques Courtois detto il Borgognone (1621-1676), Ambito di - Scena di battaglia

Antique painting, oil on canvas, from the 17th century, depicting a Scene of battle.

Interesting painting depicting an episode of battle, characterized by a convulsive composition with mounted knights, soldiers and horses engaged in combat, among figures fallen to the ground and groups of fighters emerging from a suggestive, smoky atmosphere.
The work shows a significant stylistic affinity with the production of Jacques Courtois, known as the Borgognone, one of the most important interpreters of battlefield painting in European XVIIth century. The reference to the master emerges particularly in the dynamic conception of the scene, in the arrangement of groups of cavalry, in the characterization of the animals and in the peculiar luminous construction, based on the contrast between deep brown tones and sudden flares of light on the armor, on the harnesses and on the foreground figures.
Of particular interest is the figure of the gray-white horse in the foreground, characterized by an especially effective anatomical and luminous rendering. The foreshortened stance, the treatment of the body masses, and the bright silvery brushstrokes that define its coat constitute one of the most significant aspects of the painting and closely recall the figurative repertoire and painterly solutions frequently found in Borgognone’s compositions. Also the presence of horses in articulated and dynamic poses, inserted into a lively and dramatic composition, constitutes an element of particular consonance with the master’s language.
Also interesting is the rendering of the combatants, resolved through a free and synthetic brushstroke, with sudden highlights on the armor and on the figures emerging from the darkness. The composition develops on several planes of depth, finding an effective counterpoint in the sky crossed by smoke and clouds, while the color range, mainly playing with browns, silvery greys and reddish notes, helps to create a atmosphere of particular intensity.
In terms of compositional characteristics, figurative repertoire and painting approach, the painting is placed in a realm closely aligned with Borgognone’s figurative culture. One can therefore consider the hypothesis of a painter belonging to his circle or directly linked to his milieu, without excluding, in the absence of attribution studies, a possible more direct relationship with the master’s production.

The painting presents in general fairly good condition for its age, with a homogeneous surface fully legible. Some scattered restoration points are noted, as well as cuppings and craquelure of the paint surface, overall contained and not compromising the legibility of the depiction. The craquelure is homogeneous and attributable to the period, with no signs of active detachments. No conservation problems are evident. The original canvas has a good-quality revetment (stretcher) that ensures proper support and tensioning. The wooden frame appears to have been replaced at the time of the revetment. Overall the work is structurally solid, aesthetically pleasing and well preserved, while maintaining the physiological traces of time that attest to its authenticity and conservation history.

The painting is accompanied by a beautiful classic-style frame of relatively recent period. Defects, losses and signs of time, as well as restorations and additions, are reported. The frame is included as a courtesy and does not form an integral part of the artwork; any damages to it will not be cause for complaint or order cancellation.

Dimensions of the painting: 59 x 48 cm - Frame dimensions: 71 x 59 cm

Work accompanied by a photographic certificate of authenticity, as required by current law.

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