15 Works, February 21st. is artist Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier’s day, his story, illustrated with footnotes #052

Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier (French, 1815 – 1891)
1814

Oil on panel
H: 12 3/4 x W: 9 1/2 in. (32.4 x 24.2 cm)
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore

In this small painting commissioned by the subject’s nephew, Prince Napoleon, the emperor is portrayed in a forbidding landscape just after his last, hard-won victory in the 1814 French campaign that was fought at Arcis-sur-Aube, near Troyes: 23,000 French troops withstood the onslaught of 90,000 Austrians, but were unable to capitalize on their victory. More on this painting

Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier (21 February 1815–31 January 1891) was a French Classicist painter and sculptor famous for his depictions of Napoleon, his armies and military themes. He documented sieges and manoeuvres and was the teacher of Édouard Detaille…

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