Nocturnal Naval Battle, Ilario Mercanti, Known As “lo Spolverini” (parma, 1657–1734)
Artist: Ilario Mercanti Dit « Lo Spolverini » (parme, 1657 - 1734)
Ilario Mercanti, known as “lo Spolverini” (Parma, 1657–1734)
Nighttime Naval Battle Scene
oil on copper (oval)
59 x 74 cm – with frame 83 x 98 cm
The painting on offer depicts a meticulously rendered night-time naval battle and is a work attributed to the Italian artist Ilario Mercanti (Parma 1657–1734), better known by the nickname Spolverini. It is a painting executed on copper, a medium that allows one to fully appreciate the palette in all its chromatic richness, characterized here by great intensity.
The scene depicts a chaotic clash between vessels of two European armies, presumably between the English and French fleets: the foreground is dominated by a close-quarters battle between two groups of men on small boats, likely during the boarding of a ship.
The overall impression is one of intense violence and a desperate struggle, accentuated by the drama of the nocturnal setting, with the water teeming with figures fighting, while in the background, imposing warships exchange cannon fire against a leaden sky thick with smoke.
There are numerous examples of this aspect of Spolverini’s work, always underpinned by his characteristic skill in animating highly intricate groups of figures and by a great inventiveness—such that he was never forced to resort to repetition or self-plagiarism.
The scene depicted is intensely dramatic and vivid, with a cold, moonlit light filtering through the dark clouds and the smoke billowing from a burning ship, which accentuate and contribute to the overall sense of competitive vigor in the painting. The background tones of the entire composition—dark yet intense and brilliant—accentuated by the patches of deep red that characterize the brushwork, heighten the violence of this nocturnal clash.
By way of comparison, we may recall the pair of “Battles of Fornovo” (Pinacoteca di Parma), one set by day and the other by night, in which he offers a first glimpse of his distinctive use of light through the artificial glow of the explosion in the background, as well as the two oval paintings “Explosion of the Powder Magazine” and “Siege of a Castle” (Millon Paris 9/27/23 [1], see photos in the details) previously exhibited at the Circolo della Stampa in Milan. Finally, there are the two paintings depicting naval battles from the Fondazione Cariparma (https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/85958/).
The work is presented in excellent condition, aided by the copper backing, and is complemented by a fine, custom-made gilded frame, which is not contemporary with the painting.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
If you would like to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, located at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!
Please contact us for any information or to arrange a visit; we will be happy to assist you.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
Nighttime Naval Battle Scene
oil on copper (oval)
59 x 74 cm – with frame 83 x 98 cm
Full details (click HERE)
NB: Please note that the painting depicts a night battle, which is dark by nature; to be fully appreciated, it requires adequate lighting, as shown in the photos published here.The painting on offer depicts a meticulously rendered night-time naval battle and is a work attributed to the Italian artist Ilario Mercanti (Parma 1657–1734), better known by the nickname Spolverini. It is a painting executed on copper, a medium that allows one to fully appreciate the palette in all its chromatic richness, characterized here by great intensity.
The scene depicts a chaotic clash between vessels of two European armies, presumably between the English and French fleets: the foreground is dominated by a close-quarters battle between two groups of men on small boats, likely during the boarding of a ship.
The overall impression is one of intense violence and a desperate struggle, accentuated by the drama of the nocturnal setting, with the water teeming with figures fighting, while in the background, imposing warships exchange cannon fire against a leaden sky thick with smoke.
There are numerous examples of this aspect of Spolverini’s work, always underpinned by his characteristic skill in animating highly intricate groups of figures and by a great inventiveness—such that he was never forced to resort to repetition or self-plagiarism.
The scene depicted is intensely dramatic and vivid, with a cold, moonlit light filtering through the dark clouds and the smoke billowing from a burning ship, which accentuate and contribute to the overall sense of competitive vigor in the painting. The background tones of the entire composition—dark yet intense and brilliant—accentuated by the patches of deep red that characterize the brushwork, heighten the violence of this nocturnal clash.
By way of comparison, we may recall the pair of “Battles of Fornovo” (Pinacoteca di Parma), one set by day and the other by night, in which he offers a first glimpse of his distinctive use of light through the artificial glow of the explosion in the background, as well as the two oval paintings “Explosion of the Powder Magazine” and “Siege of a Castle” (Millon Paris 9/27/23 [1], see photos in the details) previously exhibited at the Circolo della Stampa in Milan. Finally, there are the two paintings depicting naval battles from the Fondazione Cariparma (https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/85958/).
The work is presented in excellent condition, aided by the copper backing, and is complemented by a fine, custom-made gilded frame, which is not contemporary with the painting.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
If you would like to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, located at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!
Please contact us for any information or to arrange a visit; we will be happy to assist you.
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
5 900 €
Period: 17th century
Style: Louis 14th, Regency
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting on copper
Width: encadré 98 cm.
Height: encadré 83 cm.
Reference (ID): 1745139
Availability: In stock
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