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 95 x 130 cm - In an antique frame 114 x 148 cm Expertise E. Negro This interesting painting depicts a lively armed combat scene between knights in armour, bordered on the horizon by hills and a sky crossed by white clouds that are lit by flashes of light. One can see a ruined round tower, fortifications and a dense column of smoke, while in the foreground, on the left, is a knight who has fallen to the ground with his banner, in the centre two duelists armed with pistols and around them numerous men on horseback engaged in the fray. It is therefore a canvas celebrating the deeds performed 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 armour 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 flourished 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 colours, the painting is then uniformly illuminated by a particular light, useful for shaping the volumes of the figures and smoothing the shapes; these colours and the marked physiognomic characteristics of the characters effectively delineated with a few brushstrokes. 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 linked, although the singular brilliance of the colours and the brightness of the scene would not make the painting look out of place alongside similar compositions performed by the previously mentioned battle authors. Despite the scarce reliable data regarding the training (many sources report that he was a pupil of Borgognone) and the subsequent activity of Francesco Graziani, it is known that in the last decades of the 17th century he moved from Naples to Rome, soon becoming a painter very affirmed by the patrons 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, which composes its scenes with crowded movements where the characters are delineated with a rapid and nervous stroke, almost curled, invigorated by effective lighting 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 purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/