18th Century: Pair Of Feather Battle Scenes

Battle scenes, often cavalry charges, are emblematic and sought-after subjects in 18th century painting and drawing. Here are two small studies, remarkable for their precision when enlarged, representing cavalry clashes from different angles. Note the care taken in the representation of the horses, particularly in the foreground, victims of the battle. Presented in their original frame, as well as their  green mounting in watercolor, so typical of the end of the 18th century, the background bears an old attribution, which can be preserved as is, to Jean Baptiste le Paon, known as Louis le Paon (1738 - 1785). This French artist, born in Paris, was trained by his uncle who himself had been a pupil of Francesco Casanova, a Venetian battle painter. A soldier and cavalry officer, he had a front row seat to observe the battlefields. The drawings could advantageously be cleaned to regain a brilliant contrast. Small accidents to the frames, they were certainly opened to clean the windows which must have been very dusty. Dimensions of the drawings 8.5 cm x 9 cm