Neapolitan School, Mid-18th century Soldier on horseback Polychrome terracotta relief

Neapolitan School, Mid-18th century
Soldier on horseback
Polychrome terracotta relief, 53 cm diameter – Frame 66 cm diameter

The work examined is a circular terracotta relief depicting a soldier on horseback, captured in a dynamic moment. The knight, dressed in a red uniform and a tricorn with feathers, holds a sword while the horse is depicted galloping. In the foreground we can see war elements such as a pair of cannons, a drum, a suit of armor and a helmet, a reference to a battle or a military camp.
The relief is finely modelled, with particular attention to the details of the clothing and military equipment, suggesting a work of qualified artistic quality.
The relief is made of polychrome terracotta, an artistic technique widely used in the 18th century for the creation of wall decorations, medallions and commemorative plaques. Terracotta allowed for a great wealth of detail and, once painted, could simulate more valuable materials.
In the 18th century, Naples was an important center for the production of polychrome terracottas, used both in religious contexts and for secular and commemorative decorations. Neapolitan artists and workshops excelled in the workmanship of terracotta, with particular attention to dynamic modeling and chromatic vivacity, characteristics evident in this relief.
The red uniform could refer to Bourbon soldiers of the Kingdom of Naples, in particular to cavalry units or to units allied with Spanish and French troops. In the 18th century, the Neapolitan army adopted models inspired by French and Spanish ones, with red jackets used in some light cavalry units.
In particular, the Kingdom of Naples under Charles of Bourbon (1734-1759) and Ferdinand IV of Bourbon (1759-1799) was closely linked to France and Spain, and the choice of uniforms was influenced by this.
The relief in question may have been made in a decorative context for a noble residence or a barracks. Naples boasted workshops specialized in the production of terracotta plaques to commemorate military events or decorate official environments.