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The king giving orders to attack four of the strongest places in Holland at the same time

Charles Le Brun

Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles
Versailles, France

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

Details

  • Title: The king giving orders to attack four of the strongest places in Holland at the same time
  • Creator: Charles Le Brun
  • Physical Location: Palace of Versailles
  • Provenance: Palace of Versailles
  • Type: Painting
  • Copyright: © RMN (Château de Versailles) / Gérard Blot

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