Cavalry Battle near a River
1720
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1720
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch depicts a chaotic cavalry battle unfolding near a river. Horses and riders are scattered across the scene, with some falling or already on the ground. The artist has used bold lines and expressive brushstrokes to convey the intensity of the battle. In the background, the river stretches out, with trees and hills visible on the far side. The overall mood of the sketch is one of turmoil and energy, capturing the dynamic movement of the horses and riders. The use of pen, brown ink, and brown wash on laid paper adds a sense of texture and depth to the sketch. For more information on this style of art, explore the Baroque movement.