Artist unspecified circle of August Querfurt, (1697-1761), Battle of the Imperial Cavalry against the Turks

oil, canvas; size 98 x 128 cm
state of preservation: after restoration

The painting depicts a skirmish scene between Austrian cavalry and a Turkish troop and probably refers to the war that Austria and Turkey fought against each other in 1735-1739. The battle takes place amidst ruins, probably an aqueduct on the left and a castle with a round tower on the right. In the foreground, the figure of a soldier on a white horse emerges among the dynamically depicted, fighting horsemen. This is a frequent motif in the work of the well-known German battle painter August Querfurt. Also, the composition of the painting and elements such as the castle tower and the characteristically swirling clouds bring the painting presented at auction closer to Querfurt's work. This artist often painted battles against the Turks. An interesting example is a work in the Picture Gallery of the Palace on the Island in the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw with a similar subject and composition.