This battle scene depicts legendary  attack of Trani Uhlans  by the battle of Custozza between  Italy and the Austrian-Ungarian monarchy , took place on 24.06.1866.

The Trani Uhlans (Imperial and Royal Uhlan Regiment No. 13) achieved great fame during the Battle of Custozza on June 24, 1866. Under the command of Colonel Maximilian Ritter von Rodakowski, the regiment launched a legendary attack near Villafranca, which went down in Austrian military history as a heroic deed.

This masterfully battle scene was executed by famous Austrian horse, hunting and military artist Baron Alexander von Bensa the Younger (1820 Vienna - 1902 Vienna). He was a pupil of his father, the also renown artist Alexander Franz von Bensa the Elder (1794-1861) and studied in 1838-1839 at the Vienna Academy under Franz Steinfeld and Thomas Ender and began exhibiting in 1841. The artist was strongly influenced by the works of the famous Austrian painter August von Pettenkofen. A.von Bensa specialized in militarian, hunting and horse paintings, many of which were acquired by the royal family. A.Bensa was so popular, that his works were acquired by Imperor Franz Josef, Great Prince Josef, Great Prince Wilhelm and PrinceAugust von Sachsen-Coburg. Exhibitions: Austrian Art Union and Vienna Artists´ House. For other works by this painter see items No.: 43; 684.

Literature: Prof.H.Fuchs " Die Österreichischen Maler", Vienna, 1975.

Inscription: signed and dated 1877 lower left.

Technique: oil on wood. Original period frame.

Measurements: unframed w 15 1/2" x h 10 1/4" (39,5 x 26 cm); framed w 22" x h 16 1/2" (56 x 42 cm)

Condition: in very good condition.