Artwork
Horse market
Horse market is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jan Peeter Verdussen. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Created circa 1750, this oil on canvas presents a crowded market scene centered on horses and their attendants.
About this work
The artist has captured the textures of their coats and the movement of their bodies, giving the impression of energy and life.
This painting shows a bustling scene of people and horses gathered in a market. The crowd is diverse, with men, women, and children all present, dressed in clothing typical of the 18th century. In the background, buildings and trees are visible, adding depth to the scene.
A closer look reveals the intricate details of the horses, each one unique and expressive. The artist has captured the textures of their coats and the movement of their bodies, giving the impression of energy and life.
The painting is a great example of a genre scene, and if you're interested in learning more about this style, you might want to explore the works of other artists who have used chiaroscuro.
Overview
Created circa 1750, this oil on canvas presents a crowded market scene centered on horses and their attendants. The composition is animated, with figures of men, women and children intermingling among the animals, set against a backdrop of buildings and trees that suggest an urban environment. The work exemplifies the Rococo interest in lively, everyday subjects rendered with a light, fluid touch.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a moment of public commerce where equine trade and social interaction converge. By focusing on the varied postures and expressions of both humans and horses, the artist underscores the vitality of market life and the central role of horses in 18th‑century society. The diverse crowd, dressed in contemporary attire, reflects a cross‑section of social classes gathered in a shared space.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the artist employs a bright palette and swift brushwork characteristic of Rococo genre scenes. Fine attention to the texture of horsehair and fabric conveys tactile realism, while subtle contrasts of light and shadow model forms without resorting to dramatic chiaroscuro. The spatial depth is achieved through overlapping figures and a receding architectural background, guiding the eye across the bustling tableau.
History & Provenance
The work is attributed to Jan Peeter Verdussen, a Flemish painter born in Antwerp around 1700 who spent his later years in Avignon, dying in 1763. Verdussen was known for battle scenes, equestrian subjects, and market genre paintings. The canvas entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains part of the museum’s Rococo holdings.
Context
During the mid‑18th century, Flemish artists often catered to a market for scenes of daily life that combined narrative detail with decorative appeal. Verdussen’s focus on equestrian themes aligns with contemporary interest in horse culture, while the inclusion of a bustling market reflects broader European fascination with the social dynamics of commerce and public spaces.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Peeter Verdussen or Jan Pieter Verdussen (Antwerp, c. 1700 - Avignon, 31 March 1763) was a Flemish painter, draftsman and printmaker. He is known mainly for his battle scenes, incidents of camp life and equestrian…
