Watercolour on linen "Duel of Knights", French school, 18th century – France

Exceptional large-scale vertical artwork titled "Duel of Knights, " 18th century. Typically, these works were placed in woodwork, decorative wall coverings originating from 17th-century France, composed of panels or mouldings, traditionally made of wood, applied to bring elegance, warmth, and texture. They often featured a slightly naive style but always illustrated scenes of pastoral life, gallant and aristocratic scenes... Very popular in the bourgeois bastides of Provence. Here, in the foreground, we find precisely the duel of knights that gives the work its name, with the protagonists facing each other on their horses, pointing their weapons. Behind them is a fortified town, although most of the background is occupied by a mountainous landscape and a cloudy sky. On the left side stands a majestic tree that creates strong verticality and contrasts with the depth of the horizon. The use of light is particularly refined: the sunset sky is tinted with warm tones, creating an idyllic and romantic atmosphere. The atmospheric perspective, emphasised by cooler and softer tones towards the background, adds depth and gives a sense of space to the work. It is a piece of great beauty and strong visual impact, capable of captivating the viewer and transporting them into a poetic and timeless world.