Orazio Farinati

(born 1559, Verona active until circa 1616)
Battle scenes with Roman soldiers on horseback and elephants of war, possibly the Battle of Zama,
oil on panel, each 33.5 x 74 cm, framed, a pair (2)

Provenance:
Private European collection

This pair of paintings vividly depicts a battle between Roman soldiers and their, possibly Carthaginian, adversaries, featuring cavalry, infantry, and elephants of war. Close-up combat in the foreground and the expansive battle scene in the background add movement and tension to the composition. The presence of elephants of war, typical for the Carthaginian military forces, suggests that the scenes may represent the Battle of Zama (202 BCE), the decisive battle between Rome and Carthage that marked the end of the Second Punic War.

Orazio Farinati, like his father Paolo Farinati, was both an engraver and a painter. The two worked closely together until Paolo’s death in 1606, with Orazio often adopting motifs from his father’s work. Active in Verona, Orazio was known for his dynamic historical and mythological subjects. His style reflects the influence of Venetian painting, particularly in the dramatic contrasts of light and shadow and the expressive force of his figures. The sweeping gestures, detailed armor, and turbulent skies contribute to the theatrical intensity of these works, exemplifying the artist’s skill in rendering historical narratives with a sense of immediacy.