Meulen, Adam Frans van der – De troepen van Lodewijk XIV voor Naarden, 20 juli 1672, 1672-1690 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a vast landscape dominated by a large group of figures traversing a broad expanse of land towards a distant city. The foreground is defined by dense foliage on the left, creating a visual barrier and drawing attention toward the central action. A winding body of water stretches across the middle ground, reflecting the muted sky above and contributing to the overall sense of scale.
The artist has rendered the figures in a somewhat schematic manner, prioritizing their collective presence over individual detail. They appear as a mass moving purposefully towards the city on the horizon, suggesting an organized military or ceremonial procession. The uniformity of dress and posture reinforces this impression of disciplined movement.
A palpable distance separates the viewer from the action, achieved through atmospheric perspective – the city appears softened and less distinct than the immediate foreground. This creates a sense of detachment, as if observing a historical event unfolding at a remove. The muted color palette – primarily browns, grays, and greens – further contributes to this feeling of objectivity and distance.
The composition’s horizontal emphasis, with the long stretch of land and water, conveys a sense of continuity and perhaps inevitability in the depicted movement. The placement of the city on the horizon line suggests an ultimate destination or goal, while the foreground foliage hints at obstacles overcome or challenges yet to face. There is a quiet solemnity to the scene; it’s not overtly dramatic but rather presents a moment captured within a larger narrative.