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A battle scene

Jan Pieter van Bredael

1719

oil

canvas

From the collection of National Museum in Warsaw

Flemish Baroque painting History Painting

Dominant colour

A battle scene is a 1719 oil by Jan Pieter van Bredael, a Flemish Baroque painting work, held at National Museum in Warsaw.

Who painted this?: Jan Pieter van Bredael
When & what style?: 1719 · Flemish Baroque painting
Where can I see it?: National Museum in Warsaw

About this work

This painting depicts a chaotic battle scene, with numerous figures on horseback and on foot, all engaged in combat. The scene is set against a backdrop of a body of water, with a mountain range visible in the distance. The artist has used a muted color palette, with shades of brown and gray dominating the scene. In the foreground, a group of horsemen are shown charging into battle, their swords raised high. The horses are depicted in various poses, some rearing up on their hind legs, while others are shown galloping forward. The riders are dressed in a mix of armor and civilian clothing, adding to the sense of chaos and disorder. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and drama, drawing the viewer's eye into the heart of the battle. For more information on this technique, look up chiaroscuro.

About the artist

Artist

Jan Pieter van Bredael

Jan Pieter van Bredael the Younger or Jan Peeter van Bredael the Younger (27 July 1683 – 1735) was a Flemish painter known for his cavalry battle scenes and landscapes with genre scenes of village festivals and fairs.

See the richer artist page