# Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier

> French painter and sculptor (1815-1891)

**Wikidata**: [Q354786](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q354786)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Meissonier)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jean-louis-ernest-meissonier

## Summary
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier was a French painter and sculptor (1815–1891) known for his historical and genre paintings, particularly his depictions of military and equestrian subjects. He was a prominent figure in the academic art movement of 19th-century France, contributing to the preservation of classical artistic traditions.

## Biography
- Born: February 21, 1815
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris
- Known for: Historical and equestrian paintings, including works like *The Charge of the Cuirassiers* (1861)
- Employer(s): École des Beaux-Arts, French Academy in Rome
- Field(s): Fine arts, painting, sculpture

## Contributions
- *The Charge of the Cuirassiers* (1861): A notable historical painting depicting a cavalry charge during the Napoleonic Wars, showcasing Meissonier’s skill in depicting military action.
- *The Death of Marat* (1869): A dramatic depiction of the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat, demonstrating his ability to capture intense emotional moments in art.
- *The Death of Sardanapalus* (1873): A historical painting illustrating the mythological story of Sardanapalus, reflecting his interest in classical and biblical themes.

## FAQs
- **What was Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier known for?** Meissonier was known for his historical and equestrian paintings, particularly his works depicting military and classical subjects.
- **Where did Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier study?** He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a prestigious institution for the arts.
- **What notable works did Meissonier create?** Some of his most notable works include *The Charge of the Cuirassiers* (1861), *The Death of Marat* (1869), and *The Death of Sardanapalus* (1873).
- **What style of art did Meissonier practice?** Meissonier practiced academic art, which emphasized classical techniques and themes.

## Why They Matter
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier played a significant role in preserving and advancing the academic art tradition in 19th-century France. His works, particularly his historical and equestrian paintings, influenced later generations of artists and contributed to the cultural legacy of the period. His ability to capture dramatic and emotional moments in his art made him a respected figure in the fine arts.

## Notable For
- A recipient of multiple awards, including the Legion of Honor and the Order of the Crown of Italy.
- A member of prestigious art academies, including the Académie des Beaux-Arts and the Institut de France.
- Known for his contributions to the academic art movement, which emphasized classical techniques and themes.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier was born on February 21, 1815. He received his formal art education at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under leading artists of the time. His early training laid the foundation for his future career in fine arts.

### Career and Notable Works
Meissonier’s career was marked by a series of influential works that defined his artistic legacy. His *The Charge of the Cuirassiers* (1861) is a prime example of his ability to depict military action with precision and drama. The painting’s depiction of a cavalry charge during the Napoleonic Wars showcased his skill in capturing the intensity of historical events.

Another significant work, *The Death of Marat* (1869), illustrated his talent for depicting intense emotional moments. The painting’s dramatic portrayal of the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat demonstrated his ability to convey complex emotions through art.

In *The Death of Sardanapalus* (1873), Meissonier explored classical and biblical themes, further establishing his reputation as an artist who could seamlessly transition between historical and mythological subjects.

### Influence and Legacy
Meissonier’s contributions to the academic art movement had a lasting impact on the fine arts. His works influenced later generations of artists and helped preserve classical techniques and themes. His ability to capture dramatic and emotional moments in his art made him a respected figure in the world of fine arts.

Meissonier’s legacy is also reflected in his membership in prestigious art academies, including the Académie des Beaux-Arts and the Institut de France. His receipt of multiple awards, such as the Legion of Honor and the Order of the Crown of Italy, further cemented his status as a leading artist of his time.

### Later Years and Death
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier passed away on January 31, 1891. His death marked the end of an era for the academic art movement, but his legacy continued to inspire artists for decades to come. His works remain a testament to his skill and vision as a painter and sculptor.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. RKDartists
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. [online catalogue of Huis van het boek](https://mmm-web.adlibhosting.com/AIS6/Details/collect/7613589)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. MusicBrainz
10. Ernest Meissonier. RKDartists
11. [Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier. Léonore database](http://www.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/leonore_fr?ACTION=CHERCHER&FIELD_1=COTE&VALUE_1=LH/1818/30)
12. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
14. SNAC
15. Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851–1951
16. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
17. Meissonier, (Jean-Louis-)Ernest
18. Artists of the World Online
19. GeneaStar
20. Croatian Encyclopedia
21. Academy of Arts, Berlin
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. Autoritats UB
24. La France savante
25. LIBRIS. 2012
26. Metropolitan Museum of Art
27. Smithsonian American Art Museum person/institution ID
28. catalogo.beniculturali.it