Artwork
Pferde in der Scheune
Pferde in der Scheune is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist August Querfurt. It dates from 1728 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
August Querfurt’s *Pferde in der Scheune* (1728) is an oil painting from the Rococo era that depicts a dimly lit stable interior. A rider in a hat and coat stands beside a white horse, while additional horses occupy the background. The composition is dominated by deep shadows, creating a subdued, contemplative atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work concentrates on equine and military themes, typical of Querquer’s oeuvre. The solitary rider appears to be observing something within the stable, suggesting a moment of pause amid the routine of cavalry life. The quiet setting invites reflection on the relationship between horse and rider rather than overt action.
Technique & Style
Querfurt employs a restrained palette and chiaroscuro to model forms, emphasizing the contrast between illuminated figures and the surrounding darkness. The handling of light recalls the dramatic effects favored by Dutch painters such as Rembrandt, while the composition retains the fluidity and decorative elegance associated with Rococo painting.
History & Provenance
Born in Austria, Querfurt trained first with his father, a landscape and animal painter, before studying under the German artist Rugendas in Augsburg.
Born in Austria, Querfurt trained first with his father, a landscape and animal painter, before studying under the German artist Rugendas in Augsburg. Throughout his career he specialized in cavalry skirmishes and hunting scenes, often drawing on the influence of Dutch master Philips Wouwerman. *Pferde in der Scheune* entered the collection of Munich’s Alte Pinakothek, where it remains on display.
Context
The painting reflects the early 18th‑century fascination with military subjects among Central European patrons. By focusing on a single rider and his horse within a stable, Querfurt diverges from grand battle panoramas, offering a more intimate glimpse of the everyday environment of cavalry units during the Rococo period.
Artist & collection
Artist
August Querfurt (1696, Wolfenbüttel – 1761, Vienna) was an Austrian painter. He painted primarily soldiers and battle scenes. He was first instructed by his father, Tobias Querfurt, a landscape and animal painter, and…
