Louis Xiv at the Taking of Besancon 1674

Adam van der Meulen painted "Louis XIV at the Taking of Besançon", now at the Hermitage Museum. Immediately, the composition emphasizes the power and grandeur of Louis XIV. The texture of the landscape contrasts with the ornate detailing of Louis' attire and the horse's coat. The painting uses hierarchical scale to put Louis at the forefront. Van der Meulen expertly uses line and perspective to draw the viewer's eye from the foreground to the distant siege, creating a dynamic interplay between the king's composed figure and the active military scene. The contrast between the detailed depiction of Louis and the broader strokes used for the landscape also highlight the relationship between the ruler and his domain. This relationship reflects the period's concerns with authority, territory, and representation. It's a calculated display of power, reflecting the cultural codes of the time.