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French School, early 19th century - Battle Scene between Greeks and Ottomans

circa 1820–1830

$4,782
£3,485.17
€4,000
CA$6,556.36
A$7,320.88
CHF 3,818.77
MX$90,021.10
NOK 48,197.63
SEK 45,376.37
DKK 30,436.81
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About the Item

French School, early 19th century Battle Scene between Greeks and Ottomans, circa 1820–1830 Pencil and brown wash on paper, 30 × 46 cm Unsigned Provenance: Former collection of Pierre-Olivier Dubaut (collector’s mark P.O.D., Lugt 2103b) This striking drawing, executed in pencil and enhanced with brown wash, depicts a violent clash between Greek and Ottoman forces. With no central heroic figure, the composition evokes the chaos and urgency of revolutionary warfare, a subject that resonated deeply with artists of the Romantic era in France. The dynamic arrangement of figures, the whirling motion of bodies and draperies, and the interplay of light and shadow reflect a narrative of collective tragedy rather than individual glory. While previously associated with the philhellenic works of Eugène Delacroix, a closer stylistic and compositional analysis also aligns this drawing with artists of the immediate circle of Baron Antoine-Jean Gros (1771–1835). Gros, a pivotal figure in the transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism, was known for his dramatic battle scenes and his influence on a generation of younger artists such as Denis-Auguste Raffet, Henri Decaisne, and Ary Scheffer. The formal qualities of this sheet—its vivid linear energy, the spontaneous placement of figures, and the atmospheric use of wash—suggest the hand of a trained studio artist familiar with the teachings of Gros, or an accomplished follower operating within his stylistic orbit. The choice of subject matter also reflects the philhellenic enthusiasm that swept through French artistic circles during the Greek War of Independence. This theme provided a stage for the Romantic fascination with heroism, suffering, and resistance, often framed in turbulent, emotionally charged compositions such as this one. The provenance further enhances the significance of the work. Pierre-Olivier Dubaut was a distinguished connoisseur and collector of French Romantic art, particularly drawings by Gros, Géricault, and Delacroix. The presence of his collector’s mark affirms the drawing’s place within a lineage of works valued for both their historical relevance and their expressive power. Though unsigned, the drawing is a compelling example of early 19th-century French draughtsmanship, rooted in the academic traditions of the Empire while embracing the freer, more emotional language of Romanticism. It stands as a vivid testament to the artistic currents that shaped France during a time of political upheaval and cultural transformation.
  • Creation Year:
    circa 1820–1830
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.82 in (30 cm)Width: 18.12 in (46 cm)
  • Medium:
    Chalk,Crayon
  • Movement & Style:
    Old Masters
  • Period:
    Early 19th Century
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Paris, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2258216551902

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