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Study of Two Soldiers Swordfighting

17th century
Not on view
Van der Meulen was active mostly in France, where he served as a court painter to King Louis XIV and specialized in historical and military scenes. This drawing of two soldiers in a sword fight reflects the artist’s fascination with battle themes; instead of confronting one another, however, the two men seem to be battling an external opponent located beyond the frame. The format and cropping enhance the sense of fleeting action: the soldier on the left appears to be caught entering the scene while the one on the right has started to leave it. The application of black and white chalk is swift and free—echoing the fast movement of sword fighting—with only a few marks for facial expressions and a focus on bodily gestures.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Study of Two Soldiers Swordfighting
  • Artist: Adam Frans van der Meulen (Flemish, Brussels 1632–1690 Paris)
  • Date: 17th century
  • Medium: Black and white chalk, heightened with cream-colored gouache, on blue paper
  • Dimensions: sheet: 6 9/16 x 9 7/16 in. (16.7 x 23.9 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1964
  • Object Number: 64.182.1
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Louis XIV at the Siege of Cambrai, Seen from the South-West (March 20–April 19, 1677), Adam Frans van der Meulen Flemish, Red chalk, over black chalk; squared in black chalk; framing lines in pen and black ink
Louis XIV at the Siege of Cambrai, Seen from the South-West (March 20–April 19, 1677)
Adam Frans van der Meulen
probably 1680s
Louis XIV at the Siege of Tournai, Seen from the North-East (June 21–25, 1667), Adam Frans van der Meulen Flemish, Black chalk, brush and gray wash; framing lines in pen and black ink
Louis XIV at the Siege of Tournai, Seen from the North-East (June 21–25, 1667)
Adam Frans van der Meulen
n.d.
Study of a Fallen Soldier, Adam Frans van der Meulen Flemish, Black and white chalk on blue paper
Study of a Fallen Soldier
Adam Frans van der Meulen
17th century
Louis XIV at the Siege of Douai, Seen from the South-East (July 1–6, 1667), Adam Frans van der Meulen Flemish, Black chalk, brush and gray wash; framing lines in pen and black ink
Louis XIV at the Siege of Douai, Seen from the South-East (July 1–6, 1667)
Adam Frans van der Meulen
17th century
Study of Two Soldiers and a Hand, Adam Frans van der Meulen Flemish, Black and white chalk, heightened with cream-colored gouache, on blue paper
Study of Two Soldiers and a Hand
Adam Frans van der Meulen
17th century

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