Artwork
The French army at Naarden, 20 July 1672
The French army at Naarden, 20 July 1672 is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Adam Frans van der Meulen. It is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The imagery focuses on the organization and placement of troops within the natural environment, documenting the historical event of the French advance.
The painting depicts a military encampment situated near Naarden, capturing a specific moment from the Rampjaar (Disaster Year) of 1672. The composition features the French army established in a landscape setting, with trees framing the scene of the military camp. As a history painting, the work serves as a visual record of the French military presence in the Netherlands during this conflict.
The imagery focuses on the organization and placement of troops within the natural environment, documenting the historical event of the French advance.
Technique & Style
The work is an oil painting executed on a canvas support. Created in 1691, the piece measures 52 cm in height and 93.5 cm in width. Classified as a landscape and history painting, the composition depicts a military encampment featuring trees and the location of Naarden.
The artist, Adam Frans van der Meulen, utilized oil paint to render these formal elements within the specified dimensions.
History & Provenance
The painting The French army at Naarden, 20 July 1672 was created by Adam Frans van der Meulen in 1691. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 52 cm in height and 93.5 cm in width. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Historical records indicate that the artwork was previously owned by Henri Baderou before entering the museum's holdings. No specific inventory number, accession date, or exhibition history is provided in the available sources.
Overview
This oil painting by Adam Frans van der Meulen, completed in 1691, captures a specific moment during the Franco-Dutch War. It illustrates the French military encampment situated outside the fortified town of Naarden on July 20, 1672, a pivotal year known as the Rampjaar. The work serves as a visual record of the French army's presence during this significant conflict.
Context
Adam Frans van der Meulen held a significant position as a court painter to King Louis XIV. His primary commission involved visually chronicling the monarch's military campaigns and the expansion of French territories. Works such as this contributed to a broader visual propaganda effort, designed to project an image of power and success for the French monarchy across Europe.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adam Frans van der Meulen or Adam-François van der Meulen (11 January 1632 – 15 October 1690) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman who was particularly known for his scenes of military campaigns and conquests.
