Ferry Boat by Francesco G. Casanova

Better known as a painter of battle scenes and cavalry, the Italian artist Francesco Casanova (1727-1803) has put his equestrian knowledge to use in this bustling, everyday scene in which passengers, cargo and animals gather around a ferry dock. In the foreground, a porter dressed in primary hues of yellow, blue and red, struggles single-handedly with the horse’s pack, both his and the horse’s legs braced with effort. Beyond, travellers wait calmly on the shore, while the ferryperson launches the loaded skiff into the water with great effort. In the boat, the oarsperson tenses to propel the passengers towards their destination, their silhouettes striking against the golden light of the sky.

Painted in the style of a Dutch genre painting, Casanova was influenced by the works of Philips Wouwermans (1619-68), who produced lively scenes of figures and horses set in idealised landscapes. This work brings together the elements that typified the genre, from the horses, riders and the patient dog to the imaginary setting infused with warm light and an earthy palette. It is likely that Casanova was commissioned to paint this work while he was in London in the late 1760s. Having trained in Venice and established himself in Paris, he enjoyed an international reputation, travelling between European courts, often accompanied by his famous elder brother, Giacomo (1725-98).