Ernest Meissonier (full name Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier) circa 1870 watercolor on cardboard painting of a French Officer.  Signed "EMeissonier" lower left.  Based upon a painting sold at auction by Christie's, the subject is Marshall Jean-Baptiste Bessières, one of Napoleon's most trusted generals and commander of Napoleon's Imperial Guard.  

Framed to museum-grade standards in handmade 2 1/2" wide antiqued gold with silver wash wood frame, fabric conservation matboard, and protected by Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic® glazing.  Mat opening size: 11 x 8.5 inches; overall size with frame: 19 1/2 x 17 inches.  As with all of our framed art, the frame and framing materials are new, and once framed is stored in a controlled environment away from light.  Fair condition, with some pigment loss; nevertheless, a historically significant small painting.  

Ernest Meissonier (1815–1891), was a French painter, sculptor and printmaker known for his highly detailed and meticulously crafted historical scenes.  He was a prominent figure in the 19th-century art world, and gained considerable recognition during his lifetime.  Meissonier was born in Lyon, France, and showed an early aptitude for art.  He initially trained as a musician, but his true passion was painting.  He moved to Paris in his late teens to pursue a career in art.  He gained recognition for his historical and military-themed paintings, often depicting scenes from the Napoleonic era with a strong attention to detail and accuracy.  Meissonier was a master of precision and realism.  His works often featured small-scale figures and intricate details, showcasing his skillful technique.  He was particularly skilled in depicting textures, fabrics, and light effects. His dedication to capturing historical accuracy led him to meticulously research uniforms, weapons, and other elements of the eras he portrayed in his paintings.

One of Meissonier's most famous works is "1807, Friedland", an extremely large painting that depicts Napoleon Bonaparte on horseback after the Battle of Friedland. This painting is an example of his attention to historical accuracy and his ability to,convey the grandeur of historical events.  "1807, Friedland" is held by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art; it is one of the museum's most treasured paintings.  Meissonier's work is highly sought after by collectors, and his paintings commanded high prices.  Marshall Jean-Baptiste Bessières, the subject of our painting, is depicted "1807, Friedland", riding a dark chestnut colored horse on Napoleon's left.