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The French army at Naarden, 20 July 1672 by Adam Frans van der Meulen

Adam Frans van der Meulen · 1681-01-01

Adam Frans van der Meulen, the official court painter for King Louis XIV, created "The French army at Naarden" around 1681. This detailed oil painting, housed in a prominent museum, served as a crucial piece of propaganda, documenting the king's military might during the Franco-Dutch War of 1672.

Look closely at the sprawling encampment and the fortified city. Van der Meulen meticulously captured the scale of the army, from the soldiers on horseback to the distant city walls, with its prominent church spire.

As the king's designated war artist, Van der Meulen's primary role was to chronicle Louis XIV's military campaigns and territorial expansions. His works were instrumental in shaping the image of the 'Sun King,' projecting an aura of power and success across Europe. This painting is not just a scene of war, but a carefully constructed piece of historical narrative.

How does knowing its purpose change your view of this historical scene?

Details

This painter was the king's official war artist, documenting his victories.
This painter was the king's official war artist, documenting his victories.
The artist specialized in battle scenes and military campaigns.
The artist specialized in battle scenes and military campaigns.
He helped create the king’s image as the all-powerful 'Sun King.'
He helped create the king’s image as the all-powerful 'Sun King.'
Its starkness contrasts with the activity in the camp, perhaps symbolizing the harshness of war or the season.
Its starkness contrasts with the activity in the camp, perhaps symbolizing the harshness of war or the season.
Transcript

In 1672, King Louis XIV’s army surrounded the Dutch city of Naarden. This painter was the king's official war artist, documenting his victories. The artist specialized in battle scenes and military campaigns. He helped create the king’s image as the all-powerful 'Sun King.' Even this church spire becomes part of the king's grand narrative. This painting is a visual record of French power, made for propaganda.