Rocky Landscape With Ambush Of Brigands. Oil On Canvas 99cm X 137cm, 17th Century.

Splendid oil painting on canvas, attributable to the hand of the master Gaspard Dughet (Rome, 4 June 1615 – Rome, 25 May 1675) or to his close circle. The painting depicts an animated scene, in which a character on horseback, probably a nobleman, is captured by a group of brigands in the shadow of a large natural rocky arch full of vegetation.

We are in the thick of the action, the faithful assistant has already been forced off his horse and stopped to be searched by 3 men. The Lord, still on his horse, is blocked by the customers and seems to express through his gestures a strong revulsion towards the event, in an attempt to mediate with them. Other brigands in the background of the scene, in the meantime, are shooting to put to flight, probably the rest of the unfortunate rich man's company, who will remain isolated.

The landscape in which the convulsive scene takes place could refer to the Lazio Apennines around the Castelli Romani. The naturalistic element is expertly created and seems to belong precisely to the typical landscape repertoires of the Italian-French painter, both in the atmospheric rendering and in that of the rocks and trees or certain plants such as old shrubs on the steep slopes.

The theme is also typical of Dughet, it is his habit to represent this type of scene with travelers or simple pastoral scenes introduced into the Apennine landscapes of central Italy.

Furthermore, the proportions and features of the characters represented both in terms of composition and chromaticity appear with the other arguments in favor of classifying the work in this area of ​​attribution.

The painting is in excellent condition and has received an old relining.
The posthumous frame in black lacquer has rich carved and gilded inserts.

The measurements of the canvas are: 99cm x 137cm

We attach a certificate of authenticity to the sale.

Sending or delivery with insurance to be agreed with the customer.

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