Circle of Philips Wouwerman (Dutch, 1619-1668). Oil on canvas, 17th century. A grand history painting depicting an action-packed cavalry battle with uniformed soldiers on horseback wielding muskets and swords, a flag bearer at the far right, the wounded knocked off their steeds and lying on the ground before a waterfall, a broken sword on the ground beside the flowing waters to indicate the intensity of the combat, and in true Dutch fashion, a marvelous landscape setting that has been disturbed by plumes of smoke from the skirmish rising to the skies above - this juxtaposition of nature's picturesque characteristics marred by human warfare heightens the powerful theatricality of the scene. All is delineated with dramatic light-dark contrasts, a palette dominated by warm brown hues with striking accents - i.e. the white coats of two horses, the soldiers' colorful uniforms of red, blue, and gold hues with plumed hats, as well as one shining suit of armor - and a convincing depth of field. Finally, the exaggerated motions of the figures as well as their horses suggest real and implied movement which appealed to the senses and emotions of Baroque audiences. Contributing further to the allure of this painting is its attractive hand-carved wooden frame, rendered with elegant festoons of flowers at each corner. A very rare Dutch Old Master painting from the Circle of Philips Wouwerman. Size of painting: 38.2" L x 37" W (97 cm x 94 cm) Size of frame: 45" L x 42.8" W (114.3 cm x 108.7 cm)

The artist of this piece belonged to the Circle of Philips Wouwerman (1619-1668), a Dutch Baroque painter from Haarlem known for his paintings of animals (especially various breeds of horses), landscapes, and genre scenes. Scholars believe that Wouwerman studied under his father, Paul Joosten Wouwerman as well as Pieter Cornelisz, Pieter Verbeeck, and the master Franz Hals. In addition, experts believe that Pieter van Laer (known as Bamboccio) served as a great influence on Wouwerman. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "While famous for his horses, the artist (Philips Wouwerman) was remarkably original as a landscapist and a close observer of human interaction."

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection

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#168840

Painting shows age wear with darkening, scuffs/nicks to pigment, and signs of restoration and cleaning. The painting would benefit from the attention of a conservator. The frame shows some age wear, but is certainly functional and impressive for its artistry.