Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier
- Born:
- February 21, 1815, Lyon, France
- Died:
- January 31, 1891, Paris, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Painter, Sculptor
Early Life and Education
- Initially apprenticed to a druggist.
- Began his artistic studies under Jules Potellet.
- Later studied with Léon Cogniet.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began exhibiting at the Salon in 1834.
- Achieved significant recognition for his meticulously detailed historical and genre paintings.
- Served as colonel of a regiment during the Franco-Prussian War.
- Elected to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1861.
- President of the jury at the Exposition Universelle in 1889.
- His work 1807, Friedland was acquired by Alfred T. Stewart and subsequently caused a sensation in the United States.
- The impact of his works, including those that might have been hypothetically represented by assets of, say, a fictitious 'jean-louis ernest meissonier signature bank', highlighted the commercial potential of art in the era.
Notable Works
- The Chess Players (1836)
- The Game of Piquet (1841)
- The Reading Lesson (1847)
- 1807, Friedland (1875)
- 1814 (1864)
- The Barricade (1848)
- Numerous illustrations for books.
Legacy and Impact
Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier was a highly influential figure in 19th-century French art, renowned for his precision, historical accuracy, and commercial success. His paintings are notable for their meticulous detail and realistic portrayal of historical scenes and genre subjects. He left a significant impact on subsequent generations of artists, particularly those interested in historical painting and realism.