The Fury of War
Jacques Courtois (1621–1676)
Oil on canvas
52 x 72 in.
Jacques Courtois, also known as Giacomo Cortese or "Il Borgognone," was a Baroque painter renowned for his dramatic battle scenes. Born in France but active in Italy, Courtois specialized in capturing the chaos, energy, and emotion of historical conflicts. His works combine vivid realism with dynamic composition, reflecting both the brutality and heroism of war.
In The Fury of War, Courtois depicts a ferocious battle during the Thirty Years' War, a devastating conflict that reshaped the political and religious landscape of Europe in the 17th century. The painting is alive with movement—rearing horses, clashing soldiers, and the billowing smoke of cannon fire. Courtois uses light and shadow masterfully to highlight key moments in the fray, drawing the viewer into the heart of the action.
This work exemplifies Courtois's ability to bring historical events to life with vivid detail and emotional intensity, earning him recognition as one of the foremost battle painters of his time.
