This 17th-century engraving by Flemish draughtsman Adriaen Frans Boudewyns (1644-1719) is after a painting by Adam-François van der Meulen (1632-1690).
It depicts the French calvary of Louis XIV resting unscathed following another military success.
Endless wars, brutality, famine and death scarred 17th-century Europe - with Louis XIV being one of the key protagonists. Under him, the French were led into five serious wars - War of Devolution (1667-68), the Dutch War (1672-78), War of the Reunions (1679-1684), the Nine Years’ War (1688-1697), and War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1714). And with this many battles to undertake, he needed a first-rate artist to catalogue them all.
Up stepped Adam Frans van der Meulen, a Flemish painter well-versed in capturing the drama of military conquests. He became an important cog in Louis’ propaganda machine and produced numerous paintings celebrating notable French successes. Of course, it’s fair to say that his version of events, although finely rendered, were undoubtedly a little one-sided.
To reach a wider audience, van der Meulen hired Adriaen Frans Boudewyns to work alongside him and produce prints of various works. Our engraving from circa 1690 is a good example of Boudewyns deft touch and also highlights van der Meulen’s ‘glass half full’ approach. Here, we see the men lazing around as if relaxing in sun-drenched Provence. Several carrying swords with apparently no chance of using them.
It’s also interesting to note the triangular form with its apex at the church. Van der Meulen is reminding any potential recruit that God is very much on the side of the French.
Signed in the plate and held within a contemporary frame.
Medium: Etching on hand-laid paper
Overall size: 12½” x 11½” / 32cm x 29cm
Year of creation: c. 1670
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Adriaen Frans Boudewyns
Adriaen Frans Boudewyns trained under landscape painter Ignatius van der Stock. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the National Gallery of Art and National Galleries of Scotland.
Learn more about Adriaen Frans Boudewyns in our directory.
Our reference: BRV1274
