Adam Frans van der MEULEN (Brussels, 1632 – Paris, 1690)

Adam Frans van der MEULEN (Brussels, 1632 – Paris, 1690) Louis XIV Before Arras Oval parquet-style copper plate Height: 22 cm Width: 36 cm Signed lower left: AF MEULEN Provenance: - Anonymous sale, Paris, Hôtel Georges V, June 22, 1990, lot 104; - Sale, Paris, Hôtel Georges V, Tajan auction house, December 12, 1995, (sold for 95,000 francs). During the War of Devolution (1667–1668), Louis XIV traveled to Arras on an official visit on July 30, 1667. He wished to strengthen the city’s symbolic ties to the Kingdom of France following the Spanish surrender in 1640 at the end of the Siege of Arras. To this end, the king ordered the construction of a citadel designed by Vauban between 1668 and 1670, which was part of a plan to develop the city’s defensive system. Vauban notably used defensive flooding to make it more difficult for attackers to approach the fortresses. In the books section, we will be offering a collection of 34 plates engraved by Adam Frans van der MEULEN, including a view of the capture of Arras. Appraiser: Stéphane Pinta, Turquin firm (viewing by appointment with the appraiser)