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Ription Adam Frans van der Meulen (Brussels 1632 - 1690 Paris) The Fight over the Bridge, monogrammed at lower left AFVM, oil on canvas, 64 x 96 cm, framed, (Wo) Provenance: sale, Monaco, 16 October 1981; South-German private collection Van der Meulen was the favourite pupil of the battle painter Pieter Snayers. Many of his works, including the present composition, are reminiscent of the latter's art. In 1664 he left Brussels for Paris, where he collaborated with Le Brun. In 1662 the two of them executed a series of tapestry designs with scenes from the life of Louis XIV: The commission in question involved the production of some one hundred sketches. These sketches, as well as large-scale compositions executed for various royal palaces, ensured his success at court. In his works he achieved greater maturity than Snayers, with his style showing a more dynamic brushwork and clear, brilliant colours. In 1679 he was appointed "painter of royal acquisitions", accompanying the king on his military campaigns, and became a member of the Academy. He devoted himself to the meticulous rendering of topographic, historical, and military detail, so that his works give us a general idea of the activities of the French army in the 17th century. In addition, Van der Meulen painted frescoes at Versailles and the Hôtel des Invalides. He had numerous students, including Jean-Baptiste, Pierre-Denis Martin, Jan van Huchtenburg, and Pieter Boudewijns, who was also his assistant.