Esteban March's circle; 17th century

Circle of ESTEBAN MARCH (Valencia, 1610-1668); XVII century.
"Battle".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 84 x 138 cm; 108 x 152 cm (frame).
The painting of battles in the 17th century constitutes one of the most relevant genres within the European artistic panorama, especially in contexts where the exaltation of power and military glory were integrated in the visual discourses of the absolutist States. Works of this type not only represented armed confrontations in minute detail, but also fulfilled a propagandistic function, commemorating victories and extolling military leaders.
This work is characterized by its compositional drama, the dynamism of the figures and a careful representation of the landscape and atmospheric effects, elements that helped to give the scene verisimilitude and grandeur.
Aesthetically this work belongs to the artistic circle of Esteban March, a Spanish Baroque painter. Most of what is known of his life comes from the writings of Antonio Palomino, who lived somewhat later than March. His works can be stylistically compared to those of Pedro Orrente, suggesting that he may have studied with him during Orrente's stay in Valencia (1638-1645). Palomino indicates that he had a violent and extravagant temperament, based on anecdotes told by Juan Conchillos, one of his most prominent students. Part of this aggressive and nervous character is reflected in his paintings of battles, which are his best known and most admired works. It is said that before starting to paint he had to enrage himself with martial music. His interest in battlefields is also reflected in his paintings of biblical scenes, including two in the Museu de Belles Arts de València, depicting Joshua Stopping the Sun and The Triumph of David. There are also indications that he knew the works of Italian battle painters, such as Aniello Falcone, Salvator Rosa and Antonio Tempesta. Although Palomino gives his year of death as 1660, he appears as alive in the writings of José García Hidalgo, who visited Valencia in 1662 and 1667 and probably met him.