J.L.Ernest Meissonier French 1879 An Aristocrat

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We are delighted to offer this exquisite watercolour by the noted French master JEAN-LOUIS-ERNEST MEISSONIER, which he has signed with his monogram EM and dated 1879. The painting is a portrait study of an aristocrat, wearing a powdered wig. He is dressed in a richly ornamented maroon coat with turquoise cuffs, under which he has a brocade waistcoat and a frilled shirt with lace cuffs. He has a tricorn hat under his arm and is wearing white stockings and buckled shoes. He is also wearing a sword.

JEAN-LOUIS-ERNEST MEISSONIER was born in Lyons in France on 21st February 1815. He was the son of a factory owner, who expected him to go into the family business, but the young man had always shown an interest in painting and drawing and was allowed to study with Jules Potier. After this he was admitted to the studio of Leon Cognier (1794-1880). In his early years he supported himself by doing illustrations for publishers but, at the age of only 16, he exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1831, a painting which is now in the Wallace Collection in London and two more in the Salon of 1836. He continued exhibiting at the Paris Salon for many years.

He painted scenes of domestic life in microscopic detail in oils and modelled himself on the Dutch Masters. In later life he painted same large scale Napoleonic scenes and historical portraits. He achieved great success with his paintings one of which was sold in his lifetime for £10,000, a huge sum at that time. He lived well and purchased a large mansion at Poissy. Napoleon III had him attached to the Imperial Staff, and it was during and after this period that he painted some of his battle and military scenes. He was awarded numerous accolades including the Legion d'Honneur.

His very full biography is available on Wikipedia, as well as many others available on google, at the following link

His paintings are in Museums all over the world and auction prices achieved for them may be viewed at artprice.com (534 listing, including 194 watercolours and some sculpture) and at the other usual sites. His paintings in both oil and watercolours attract high prices.

He died in Paris on 31st January 1891.

The watercolour has been newly triple mounted to complement and has been newly framed in a 1 5/8" gilt frame to suit. It is ready to hang.

Medium Watercolours

PriceSOLD DimensionsImage size 8 1/8" x 6" 20.6cm x 15.2cm Frame size 19" x 15 1/2" 48.25cm x 39.35 Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art > Antique Watercolours Date 1879 Late 19th Century Antiques Material Paper Origin French Artist J.L.Ernest Meissonier Condition Very good. There is slight age browning to the paper consistent with age, but there is no foxing. Item code as237a165 Status Sold

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J.L.Ernest Meissonier French 1879 An Aristocrat

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