19th century Flemish school

Flemish school of the 19th century.
"Battle of Courtrai".
Carved walnut.
Measurements: 80,5 x 140 cm; 120 x 175 x 12,5 cm (frame).

The detailed and decorative tender relief shows the battle of Courtrai in a dynamic and dramatic way: the center shows the clash between mounted knights - probably the French - and infantrymen - the Flemish - armed with long spears, while several combatants fall to the ground or even into the water, suggesting the difficult terrain that was key to the Flemish victory; the scene is full of movement, with rearing horses, raised weapons and superimposed figures conveying chaos and violence, and all framed by an elaborate ornamental border with floral and heraldic motifs that reinforce its artistic rather than strictly historical character.

The Battle of Courtrai (Kortrijk), fought on July 11, 1302, pitted the army of French King Philip IV, dominated by his powerful noble cavalry, against Flemish militias made up mainly of artisans and merchants who had rebelled against French control over Flanders; Although the French were confident in the superiority of their knights, the Flemish chose a marshy terrain full of obstacles that prevented cavalry charges and favored their infantry armed with pikes, achieving a resounding victory in which many French nobles were killed, after which they collected their golden spurs (hence the name of the battle), becoming a key episode that showed that the infantry could defeat the feudal cavalry and a symbol of Flemish resistance.