(Siena 1642–1718)
The troops of the Grand Duke Cosimo III of Tuscany in battle, oil on canvas, 95 x 131 cm, framed,

We are grateful to Prof Giancarlo Sestieri, Rome, for identifying the artist. Giuseppe Pinacci was trained in the workshop of the Tuscan painter, Lieven Mehus. After travelling for some time, he entered the employ of the Spanish viceroy to Naples, Gaspar Méndez de Haro y Guzman, Marchese del Carpio from 1682 to 1687. After the death of his master, he took over his position in 1691 as painter at the court of Grand Duke Cosimos III. The present painting is a high quality work by Pinacci, who was known as a painter of battle scenes. It can be dated incontrovertibly to his time at the Florentine court because of the type of flagbearers. Prof Sestieri points out that this painting with its depiction of a battle featuring the Tuscan troops is important evidence of the artist’s work for the de’Medici. In the second half of the 17th century, Siena was administered as an Imperial fiefdom by the famous Condottiere Mattias de’ Medici. Salvator Rosa, amongst others, also worked for him and his years at the Prince’s court were also telling for the young Pinacci.

Literature (general): Monbeig-Goguel, Un nouveau regard sur Giuseppe Pinacci entre Naples et la Toscane, in: Studi di storia dell’ arte in onore di Mina Gregori, 1994.