Battle of Knights near a Fortified Town

Oil on canvas

93 x 132 cm.

In an antique frame: 110 x 151 cm.

Copy of an expert’s report by Giovanni Mariacher

The composition is dominated by a frenzied battle scene, a frenetic and tightly packed tangle of rearing steeds and knights drawing their swords. Within the melee, two opposing sides of the fighting forces are clearly distinguishable: the Christian soldiers, protected by gleaming metal armour, are engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the Ottoman forces, recognisable by their characteristic headgear and turbans.

The depiction of the horses is particularly striking, portrayed in dynamic and dramatic poses (some rearing, others on the ground), which accentuate the sense of violence and movement in the scene.

The battle takes place within a wide valley; in the background on the left stands a mighty fortress city protected by tall towers and ramparts. On the right-hand side, a steep hill serves as a vantage point for other troops, archers or lookouts positioned high up, ready to coordinate the assault manoeuvres.

The painting is attributed to the Venetian painter Matteo Stom (c. 1643 – 1702), a highly accomplished specialist in this iconographic genre, who made his name in the Veneto region by playing a key role in the dissemination of this genre in its modern form, and as a bridge to the specific Emilian tradition in this field, exemplified by Brescianino or Spolverini.

Our painting, which therefore represents a very important addition to the catalogue of Stom’s works compiled to date, fits squarely within his figurative repertoire, which includes certain recurring and easily identifiable characteristics, first and foremost an intense dynamism that animates the scene, characterised by an overwhelming sense of movement.

Another typical element of the painter’s style is the vivid and contrasting colour scheme, with a vibrant palette dominated by warm earth tones (browns, ochres and dark browns), against which the vivid reds of the flags and cloaks, the metallic sheen of the armour, and the Caravaggesque lighting—which illuminates the bodies and faces of the combatants in a focused manner—stand out.

The brushwork is energetic, characterised by rapid brushstrokes and a strong chiaroscuro contrast that emphasises the three-dimensionality of the figures and the sense of the action’s claustrophobic and dramatic movement.

Many of his battle scenes are held in major Italian institutions, including Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome, the Civic Museum of Bassano del Grappa, the Accademia dei Concordi in Rovigo and the Correr Museum in Venice

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with an attractive antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.

Should you wish to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you by appointment at our gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18.

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