Frans van Der Meulen, Equestrian Portrait with Battle Scene, 1700s, Oil on Canvas

Details

Description

Equestrian portrait with a battle scene in the background

circle of adam frans van der meulen (brussels 1632 – paris … Read more Equestrian portrait with a battle scene in the background

circle of adam frans van der meulen (brussels 1632 – paris 1690)

oil on canvas (81 x 103 cm. Framed 105 x 124 cm.)

full details of the work (click here)

the center of the composition is occupied by the equestrian portrait of a young knight, gazing directly at the viewer with a proud expression, dressed in a dark military parade uniform with red details and a plumed hat.

the leader is mounted on a dark bay horse, depicted in a dynamic and impetuous pose, a classic motif in equestrian iconography symbolizing power and dominion. He holds a flintlock pistol, a highly prized weapon in 17th-century france, which became a symbol of prestige and military power, especially during the reign of the "sun king."

in the background, the troops of an army are preparing for battle, with ranks of mounted soldiers adding narrative and military-historical context to the scene.

the work uses the rhetoric of royal power to show the subject in a context of command and military prestige.

the painting's style therefore fits into the genre of celebratory equestrian portraits, common between the 17th and 18th centuries, which emphasizes the subject's status and authority. Although the exact identity of the leader is uncertain, the painting shares stylistic and thematic similarities with works by italian and flemish masters of the period.

the painting in question is by an artist from the circle of adam frans van der meulen (brussels 1632 – paris 1690), a french baroque painter of flemish origin specializing in war scenes, and likely depicts a general in louis xiv's army.

this artist's great popularity is linked to the commission entrusted to him by louis xiv, king of france, as court painter during numerous wars and battles fought by france, including the war of devolution (1667–1668) for the possession of the netherlands, then under spanish rule.
commissioned by the sun king, he traveled with the army and thus became an eyewitness to these events, immortalizing the monarch's military glories in painting. The works he created were then placed to adorn various royal residences and donated to the highest officials of the army.

additional information:

the work is sold complete with a beautiful antique frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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