Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875), Circle of - Cattura del Re di Francia Francesco I

The work, to be explored further, is skillfully created through swift brushstrokes and flashes of light, and can be stylistically compared to the painting production of Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. In fact, in the canvas, we find several stylistic elements belonging to this painter's (and sculptor's) language: the chaos of the depicted scene, the rapidity of the action, the dark background from which vivid red colors emerge, and the way the characters are treated as if the painting were a sketch. For comparison, consider, for example, 'Bal au palais des Tuileries,' 'Le Prince impérial distribuant des récompenses à l'Exposition Universelle de 1867,' and 'Messe de minuit à Rome'.

Furthermore, the painting presented here is also interesting because of the subject depicted, which is difficult to decipher. In fact, the clothing of the main subject in the center of the scene is at least bizarre: one shoe is red, while the other is white. Is it perhaps a theatrical subject? In reality, it seems more likely to be a representation of a historical figure.
Perhaps the capture of King Francis I of France by Spanish soldiers after the defeat at the Battle of Pavia in 1525.

Condition: shows some wear along the lower edge and small color losses. On the front of the canvas (there is probably an inventory number on the back of the canvas).

The painting was purchased in the 1990s at an auction house and is now in a private collection.