Jean Peter Verdussen (1700 C. - 1763), Equestrian Battle

Jean Peter Verdussen (Antwerp, 1700 c. - Avignon, 1763)

Equestrian battle

Oil on canvas, cm 44 x 75

Expert report by prof. Giancarlo Sestieri

The canvas in question depicts an eventful equestrian battle performed around the first half of the eighteenth century by the Flemish painter, engraver and draftsman Jean Peter Verdussen (Antwerp around 1700 - Avignon, 1763), known mainly for his famous fighting scenes, his episodes of life within the military camp and his equestrian drawings, next to which are positioned a whole series of works illustrating hunting scenes and genre.

Trained at a young age under the guidance of his father Jacob Verdussen, also an expert painter of battles, and influenced by the style of the Dutch artist Philips Wouwerman, as well as the Bamboccianti, left Antwerp around 1743, landing in the city of Turin, where he was called to become court painter of Charles Emmanuel III, Duke of Savoy and King of Sardinia. During his Turin residence he was charged with representing the victories of his patron, such as that of the Battle of Guastalla (1734, Galleria Sabauda, Turin), or that of the Battle of Piacenza (1746, Museo Calvet, Avignon)both fought against the Habsburg troops. 

The painting, an oil on canvas executed with great skill, is attributable not so much to the Piedmontese phase of the artist, characterized by an accurate figurative definition, as to the previous poorly documented, which in fact increases its rarity and preciousness. The brushstroke is in this case loose and quick, aimed at making with a few touches of color the intense dynamism that characterizes the entire episode. As one of the most complex and detailed works by Jean Peter Verdussen, the canvas shows a heated battle scene between two enemy armies, set in a sort of natural clearing where a fire was set visible in the distance, that releases into the air a dense and suffocating smoke, made with great skill by the Flemish artist. In the foreground there is a white horse "all round" intent on running scared without his rider, probably depicted lifeless on the ground, which is one of the most recognizable stylistic figures of the artist; in the background, instead, are represented other horses mounted by leaders with feathered hats, who take up arms and flags, ready to throw themselves in the clash

The object is in good condition