17th Century Italian School, Skirmish Scene

Pen, brown ink and red chalk
H.264 ; l. 378 mm

This large, dynamically composed sheet depicts a skirmish or battle scene.

The scene is framed at both ends by horsemen riding toward the center, charging a group of infantrymen. On the right, one of them carries a standard and shield, while those on the left brandish a sword and spear, which pierces the flank of a man on the ground.

In the foreground, wounded and fallen men lie on the ground. This depiction of entangled bodies of men and horses, along with the debris of chariots and weapons, accentuates the chaotic, dramatic effect of the scene.
Overlooking the battle, on a rocky diagonal, stand archers aiming at enemy soldiers, one of whom falls from the mound. The archers are wearing turbans, while the horsemen are wearing feathered helmets, suggesting a battle against Orientals, probably Turks.

This is probably a preparatory study for a painting, or a drawing based on an existing composition.
The style is close to the drawings of the 17th-century Roman and Neapolitan schools, and the compositions found in Jacques Courtois, known as il Borgognone (1621-1676), or Salvator Rosa (1615-1673).

Drawing in very good condition. A fold mark in the center.

Bears on the back the Florence and Paul Vercier collection mark (L.3607), as well as the inscription "attributed to Le Brun".
Filigree depicting a quadruped (?)

Provenance: Florence and Paul Vercier collection (L.3607)