The king is holding council with his war chiefs. He is pointing to a detail on a large map of the Dutch Republic, which is also being indicated by a putto, Minerva - again personifying royal Wisdom (or Prudence) - and Glory. On the map, four rolled maps of the four cities to be sieged at the same time can be distinguished: “Wessel” (Wesel), “Burich” (Büderich), “Orsoy” and “Rimberg” (Rheinberg). Charles Le Brun very subtly portrayed the hierarchy of the members of this war council: Monsieur, Louis XIV’s brother, is on the same step as the king; Condé, a prince of the blood, has one foot on the second step, while Turenne, who held the rank of a foreign prince, is standing with both feet on the lower step. The scene is taking place in a busy military camp where the soldiers are preparing to leave on campaign.
Full title : The king giving orders to attack four of the strongest places in Holland at the same time, 1672
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