A Cavalry Engagement 1652 - 1690

Adam van der Meulen, a painter in the service of Louis XIV, created this painting. Although undated, its subject matter reflects the late 17th-century context of constant warfare. Beyond the depiction of military action, what can this painting tell us about the cultural and social norms of the time? The artist’s position as official war artist afforded him access to the elite circles of power, influencing both his perspective and his patronage. Van der Meulen was tasked with glorifying Louis XIV’s military campaigns, contributing to the construction of a heroic and masculine image of kingship. This wasn’t about realism, but propaganda. Consider how the painting excludes the experiences of common soldiers, focusing instead on the spectacle of battle. What stories are left untold? The painting celebrates power and dominance, while reminding us of the complex relationship between art, power, and the narratives that shape our understanding of history.