Bidspirit auction | GEORG PHILIPP RUGENDAS THE ELDER

GEORG PHILIPP RUGENDAS THE ELDER (GERMAN, 1666–1742) A LARGE OIL ON CANVAS CAVALRY BATTLE SCENE - A masterful and highly animated Cavalry Battle Scene attributed to Georg Philipp Rugendas the Elder, one of the pre-eminent battle painters of the early 18th century. The composition captures the tumult of hand-to-hand combat beneath a vast, turbulent sky. Mounted warriors in armor and colorful sashes charge toward the viewer amid swirling dust, rearing horses, and scattered fallen soldiers, while the distant horizon reveals a fortified city engulfed in smoke and flame. Rugendas’s command of equestrian anatomy, dramatic movement, and atmospheric perspective is on full display. The artist’s style—distinguished by strong diagonals, expressive gestures, and a restrained yet luminous palette—bears comparison to the great military scenes of Jacques Courtois (Il Borgognone) and Antonio Tempesta, both of whom deeply influenced his work. As a trained draughtsman and eyewitness to numerous European campaigns, Rugendas infused his compositions with immediacy and realism rarely matched by his contemporaries. This example exemplifies the Augsburg master’s mature manner, blending Baroque dynamism with disciplined observation of battle formations and light effects. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Please note that this lot is located in Europe and will be shipped to the winner from our European warehouse. Dimensions: 27 7/8 x 38 5/8 in., (71 x 98.5 cm.) Condition: Good condition overall. The painting has been relined, and there is evidence of some restoration on the surface. Minor areas of inpainting and retouching are visible under UV light. Craquelure and tonal variations consistent with age. The gilded frame shows minor wear and small repairs, presenting well overall.