Artwork

Carica di cavalleria (Calvary Charge)

Carica di cavalleria (Calvary Charge), by Giovanni Fattori, ink, 1884
Carica di cavalleria (Calvary Charge), by Giovanni Fattori, ink, 1884

Carica di cavalleria (Calvary Charge) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Giovanni Fattori. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Carica di cavalleria (Calvary Charge) is an etching created by Giovanni Fattori in 1884, executed on chine collé.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a cavalry charge, with horsemen riding through a dark, wet landscape. The contrast between their uniforms and the muddy terrain emphasizes their movement.

Technique & Style

Fattori employed etching and drypoint techniques, scratching lines into a metal plate to achieve a rough texture. The resulting print features strong contrasts between light and dark, with highlights on the soldiers' bayonets.

Context

The work showcases Fattori's use of chiaroscuro, a technique also explored by other etchers, such as Rembrandt, who used similar contrasts to create dynamic effects.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.