Van der Meulen, Adam-Frans – Louis XIV, suivi de Turenne, assistant à une chasse au vol, en vue du Château-Neuf et des terrasses de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, en 1669 Château de Versailles

The composition presents a scene of aristocratic leisure and power, centered around a figure on horseback. He is positioned prominently in the foreground, clad in elaborate attire – a richly embroidered coat with blue and gold accents, a vibrant red feathered hat, and meticulously detailed riding boots. The horse itself is a powerful chestnut, adorned with equally ornate tack. His posture conveys authority and control, suggesting a man accustomed to command.
To his left, another rider on a grey mount appears alongside several attendants, their presence reinforcing the hierarchical structure of the gathering. They are less elaborately dressed, serving as visual markers of support and service. The background is dominated by an expansive architectural vista – a grand palace complex with symmetrical facades, manicured gardens, and terraced landscapes. This backdrop underscores the wealth and dominion associated with the central figure. A hunting scene unfolds in the lower right quadrant; a rider pursues game on horseback, accompanied by hounds, adding dynamism to the otherwise static arrangement.
The artist’s use of light is significant. The foreground figures are illuminated, drawing attention to their finery and status, while the background recedes into atmospheric perspective, creating depth and emphasizing the scale of the palace. The sky is overcast, a muted backdrop that does not detract from the central subject but contributes to a sense of formality and grandeur.
Subtly embedded within this depiction are layers of meaning beyond mere representation. The inclusion of the hunting scene alludes to the king’s role as both ruler and master of his domain – a symbolic extension of his political power into the natural world. The palace, meticulously rendered, serves not only as a setting but also as an emblem of royal authority and architectural ambition. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed spectacle, designed to project an image of absolute sovereignty and refined taste. The circular format further enhances this sense of contained grandeur, framing the scene like a theatrical stage.