Francesco Graziani (attivo Napoli/Roma nel '600)

Francesco Graziani, known as Ciccio Napoletano (active in Naples and Rome in the second half of the 17th century) Battle with clash between knights Oil on canvas cm. 95 x 130 - In period frame cm. 114 x 148 Expertise E. Negro This interesting painting depicts a lively armed combat scene between knights in armor, bordered on the horizon by hills and a sky crossed by white clouds that are illuminated by bursts of light. You can see a ruined round tower, fortifications and a dense column of smoke, where in the foreground, on the left, there is a knight fallen to the ground with his banner, in the center two duelists armed with pistols and around them numerous men on horseback engaged in the fight. It is therefore a celebratory canvas of the exploits accomplished during a war campaign, although difficult to identify, but probably occurred in the second half of the seventeenth century as evidenced by the types of armor and costumes of the fighters. Both the invention and the stylistic qualities of the painting decisively refer to the prestigious pictorial school of battle painters of Neapolitan origin that prospered in the second half of the 17th century, highlighting its typical stylistic features. In particular, there is a thick material with warm and full-bodied colors, the painting is then uniformly illuminated by a particular light, useful to turn the volumes of the figures and to smooth the shapes; these colors and the marked physiognomic characteristics of the characters are effectively delineated with a few brush strokes. This pictorial current was headed by talented masters such as Salvator Rosa, Jacques Courtois known as Borgognone and Marzio Masturzo. But it is to the works of Francesco Graziani, known as Ciccio Napoletano (active in Rome and Naples during the second half of the 17th century), that our painting can be easily connected, although the singular brilliance of the colors and the luminosity of the scene would not disgrace the painting alongside the analogous compositions executed by the previously mentioned authors of battles. Although the certain data regarding the formation (many sources report that he was a pupil of Borgognone) and the subsequent activity of Francesco Graziani are meager, it is known that in the last decades of the 17th century he moved from Naples to Rome, soon becoming a very successful painter with the clientele of the Urbe. The general character of the works presents that synthesis of rapid touches and vigorous emphasis perfectly attributable to the catalog of Graziani, who composes his scenes with crowded movements where the characters are delineated with a rapid and nervous stroke, almost curled, invigorated by effective luministic touches. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The work is completed by a beautiful antique frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery of Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any further information. Follow us also on : INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/