ATTRIBUTED TO PIETER WOUWERMAN | SOLDIERS AND THEIR HORSES RESTING BY RUINS IN A RIVER LANDSCAPE, WITH FIGURES BATHING

Many artists followed the example of Philips Wouwerman, including his younger brother Pieter. Hailing from Haarlem, the Wouwermans were influenced by the work of the Dutch Italianate bamboccianti, following the tradition of Pieter van Laer. From executing genre scenes they went on to paint equestrian scenes, hunting parties, cavalry battles and military encampments - Philips Wouwerman's skill in depicting horses was highly prized both during his lifetime and by collectors through the 18th and 19th centuries, and his works were emulated by numerous followers.

This painting reflects the influence of the bamboccianti in the use of light and strong shadows, but the imaginary setting includes quintessentially Dutch details, such as the windmill visible in the distance.