French Troops before Salins and the Surrounding Hills 1668 - 1670

Adam van der Meulen’s sanguine drawing captures French troops arrayed before Salins, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The horse, a dominant motif here, has journeyed through art history as a symbol of power and nobility. From the equestrian statues of Roman emperors to Renaissance battle scenes, the horse embodies strength, control, and martial prowess. It echoes in the dreams of poets and the nightmares of war. One cannot ignore the collective memory ingrained in the very depiction of these animals. The presence of these troops evokes not just military might but also the psychological weight of conquest, the anticipation, and the tension of impending conflict. The image speaks to the emotional undercurrents of ambition and domination. It is these cycles of power, struggle, and dominance that continue to resonate with viewers across centuries.