The painting that made Ernest Meissonier famous is Napoleon and his Staff (1868); it hangs in the Wallace Collection, Londra. Portrait of Marquesa de Manzanedo (1872) and The Painting Connoisseurs (1860) follow it in the hearts of collectors and museum visitors. Of the 238 works by Ernest Meissonier in our catalogue, these 100 are the most admired, each presented with its date, its museum and what sets it apart.
Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated Ekim 2026. Every masterpiece on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, at the size you choose.
Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier's "Napoleon and His Staff," painted in 1868, is more than just a historical depiction; it’s a meticulously crafted tableau of power, military precision, and the weight of leadership. This small oil painting on mahogany panel – measuring a modest 17 x 18 cm – belies its diminutive size with an astonishing level of detail, transporting the viewer directly into the heart of Napoleon's campaigns. Meissonier, a master…
Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s “Portrait of the Marquesa de Manzanedo” is more than just a painting; it's a meticulously crafted snapshot of 19th-century Spanish aristocracy and the opulent world they inhabited. Completed in 1872, this work transports us to a richly decorated salon, brimming with luxurious fabrics, ornate furniture, and an atmosphere of quiet dignity. The Marquesa herself, a woman of considerable bearing, sits poised within this tableau, her expression serene…
Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier’s “The Painting Connoisseurs,” completed in 1860, isn't merely a depiction of men discussing art; it’s a meticulously crafted snapshot of intellectual curiosity and artistic aspiration within the gilded halls of Victorian France. Housed in the Musée d’Orsay, this oil on panel painting transcends its formal setting to offer viewers an intimate glimpse into the creative process itself.
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier’s “The Hired Assassins,” painted in 1852, is not merely a historical scene; it's a meticulously crafted window into the shadowed world of 17th-century France – a realm of clandestine plots, simmering resentments, and brutal efficiency. This arresting work, now housed within The Wallace Collection in London, immediately captivates with its dramatic composition and astonishing level of detail, qualities that cemented Meissonier’s reputation as one of the foremost artists…
Isaiah by Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier - A Masterpiece of Historical Realism Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier (1815–1891), a name synonymous with meticulous detail and historical narrative in 19th-century French painting, emerged as a pivotal figure bridging the gap between academic tradition and a burgeoning realism. Born in Lyon in 1815, his path to artistic renown was initially met with familial resistance. His father envisioned a career in business for young Ernest,…
A Portrait Steeped in History: Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s “A Cavalier Time of Louis XIII” Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier stands as an undisputed champion of miniature realism—a painter who meticulously captured the nuances of everyday life with astonishing precision. Born in Lyon in 1815, his artistic ambitions clashed initially with his father's pragmatic aspirations for a secure business career; however, the irresistible pull of art ultimately prevailed, securing young Ernest’s freedom to…
In the vast landscape of nineteenth-century French Realism, few works capture the heavy atmosphere of historical transition as poignantly as Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s "1814. Campagne de France." Painted between 1860 and 1864, this monumental canvas serves as much more than a mere chronicle of military movement; it is a profound psychological study of an empire in decline. The scene depicts Napoleon Bonaparte and his weary staff during their arduous retreat…
Halt at an Inn – A Masterpiece of Detail Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s “Halt at an Inn” transcends mere depiction; it's a meticulously crafted tableau vivant, capturing a pivotal moment in Welsh history and embodying the artist’s unwavering dedication to realism. Painted circa 1862–1863, this artwork resides within The Wallace Collection’s impressive holdings, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the artistic sensibilities of Victorian Britain. More than just a visual record,…
Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s “The Siege of Paris in 1870” is more than a historical painting; it's a visceral immersion into one of the most pivotal moments of 19th-century European history. Completed in 1884, this monumental oil-on-canvas work captures the brutal intensity and unwavering spirit of the Parisian defense during the Franco-Prussian War. Meissonier, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and mastery of historical narrative, doesn’t simply depict a battle;…
Departure of the Volunteers is a 19th-century work by the French painter Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier. The artist, born in 1815, captured this scene during a century of shifting borders and military movement. The work exists as a quiet study of men in transition, caught in a moment of preparation before the march begins.
Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier’s “A Cuirassier” is more than just a depiction of a soldier; it's a meticulously crafted portal to the era of Napoleon, a testament to…
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The Star of the Dragoons under Louis XV emerges from the canvas as a focused moment of military art. Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier captures a solitary soldier in this…
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The painting titled The Recital is a work by the artist Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier. This specific piece is executed in oil on a panel. The physical dimensions of…
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In this three-quarter length portrait of Leland Stanford by Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, the subject is presented as a single male figure seated in an ornate wooden chair. Positioned…
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The painting depicts a man dressed in scarlet military attire, confidently holding a pistol. He stands before a wall adorned with drapery and architectural elements. Two figures flank…
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The Defense of Paris is a significant historical work by the French artist Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier. Created between 1870 and 1871, this piece captures a moment of profound…
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In "The Jovial Trooper" by Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, a single male figure occupies the center of a dimly lit interior, though he sits slightly off-center to create a…
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The oil on canvas titled Petit poste de Grand'Garde, 8e Hussards en 1803 is a landscape painting by Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier. Created in 1869, the work captures a…
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The Card Players is an oil on wood painting executed by the French artist Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier. Created in 1863, this work belongs to the period of the…
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Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier executed The Roadside Inn in 1865. This oil on panel work belongs to the genre art category, focusing on a specific moment of daily life.…
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The oil painting Colonel Félix Massue captures a single, steady gaze. Created in 1867 by Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, this portrait focuses on the face of the officer. The…
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Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier's "The Guard Room," painted in 1847, isn’t merely a depiction of a room; it’s a carefully constructed tableau brimming with unspoken tension and the weighty…
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Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier (1815 – 1891) stands as an undisputed titan amongst French academic painters, a figure whose unwavering dedication to meticulous realism cemented his legacy as one…
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The painting captures a moment within the turbulent reign of Louis XIII (1643–1715), a period marked by political instability, religious conflict, and simmering conspiracies. Meissonier’s depiction reflects the…
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The Card Players is an oil on wood painting by the French artist Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier. Created in 1863, this work emerged during a specific phase of the…
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Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier's "Dragon en vedette dans la campagne" (Dragon in the Countryside), painted in 1879, is more than just a charming pastoral scene; it’s a meticulously crafted window…
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“The Lost Game,” painted in 1858 by the celebrated French artist Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, is more than just a depiction of gentlemen engaged in a card game; it's…
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This watercolor portrait, depicting Madame Sabatier holding a small green umbrella, offers a captivating glimpse into the refined world of 19th-century France. Executed by Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, a…
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The four subjects that return most often among these masterpieces, with the finest example of each.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Ernest Meissonier | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Wallace Collection |
Londra | 17 | Napoleon and his Staff, The Hired Assassins, Isaiah |
 Musée d'Orsay |
Paris | 11 | The Painting Connoisseurs, 1814. Campagne de France (Napoleon and his staff returning from Soissons after the Battle of Laon), The siege of Paris in 1870 |
 National Gallery of Ireland |
Dublin | 6 | A Guard, The Bibliophile, Man in a Red Cloak |
 Walters Art Museum |
Baltimore | 3 | The Jovial Trooper, Napoleon I, 1814, The End of the Game of Card |
 Louvre Müzesi |
Paris | 8 | Dragon à cheval portant le manteau en bandoulière, Dragon en vedette dans la campagne |
 Museum of Fine Arts |
Boston | 3 | Horseman, Officer |
 Şikago Sanat Enstitüsü |
Chicago | 2 | The Defense of Paris, The Out-Post |
 Metropolitan Sanat Müzesi |
New York | 4 | The Card Players |
Isaiah by Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier - A Masterpiece of Historical Realism Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier (1815–1891), a name synonymous with meticulous detail and historical narrative in 19th-century French…
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier’s “The Hired Assassins,” painted in 1852, is not merely a historical scene; it's a meticulously crafted window into the shadowed world of 17th-century France – a…
Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier's "Napoleon and His Staff," painted in 1868, is more than just a historical depiction; it’s a meticulously crafted tableau of power, military precision, and the…
Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s “Portrait of the Marquesa de Manzanedo” is more than just a painting; it's a meticulously crafted snapshot of 19th-century Spanish aristocracy and the opulent world…
Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s “The Siege of Paris in 1870” is more than a historical painting; it's a visceral immersion into one of the most pivotal moments of 19th-century…
Napoleon and his Staff (1868), Wallace Collection, Londra. Next come Portrait of Marquesa de Manzanedo (1872) and The Painting Connoisseurs (1860).
53 years old: Napoleon and his Staff dates from 1868 and Ernest Meissonier was born in 1815.
Napoleon and his Staff, Portrait of Marquesa de Manzanedo, The Painting Connoisseurs, The Hired Assassins, Isaiah, A Cavalier Time of Louis XIII, 1814. Campagne de France (Napoleon and his staff returning from Soissons after the Battle of Laon), Halt at an Inn, The siege of Paris in 1870 and Departure of the Volunteers. The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.
Our catalogue lists 238 works by Ernest Meissonier, dated from 1838 to 1890.
Most of them are in Wallace Collection (Londra), Musée d'Orsay (Paris) and National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin). The table above lists the museums one by one.
In 1860s: 30 of the 100 works on this page date from then, among them Napoleon and his Staff.
The earliest on this page is Isaiah (1838), the latest The Sentry (La Vedette) (1890).
Men (7), 19th century (6) and Military history (5), among the 100 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas: 11 of the 100 works on this page.
Realism and Academic realism, as the paintings on this page show.
Napoleon and his Staff, The Hired Assassins and Isaiah are among the 13 works on this page held by the Wallace Collection, Londra.
Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in the size you choose, from the painting's own page.
