Louis Xiv at the Taking of Besancon 1674

Adam van der Meulen’s "Louis XIV at the Taking of Besancon" (1674), now in the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, is a depiction of King Louis XIV on horseback during the French conquest of Besancon. The painting highlights Louis XIV's dominance and power, depicting the French king as a charismatic figure on horseback, overlooking a vast battlefield. Van der Meulen's work is characterized by its meticulous detail and vivid portrayal of historical events. This painting serves as a powerful testament to the grandeur of the French monarchy in the 17th century.