The Battle of Oran

The inscription on the painting identifies its subject. Prominent in the centre of the composition is the figure of José de Angulo on horseback, while the middle-ground and background are occupied by episodes from the battle. In the distance is the city of Oran, which has already been lost. The somewhat old fashioned arrangement of the various groups and the narrative emphasis suggest that Palomino based his composition on prints.

The canvas would have been commissioned with a commemorative purpose shortly after the battle of Oran took place. It does not appear in the catalogue of Palomino’s work nor was it a subject that he frequently depicted. The loose brushstroke and some of the figure types suggest the influence of Luca Giordano.