Meissonier was probably the most famous painter of his day. His work was praised by the great painters, kings, art critics and the public. And this was at a time where new paintings were on the level of blockbuster movie premiers today. He was as well known as Michael Jackson in his day but of course without the scandal and plastic surgery.
Now you ask I am sure then how come you have never heard of him of he was such a great talent. The answer is the war on the tastes and ideas of the 19th century art world. As a result of this he as for the most part been written out of art history at the big schools.
Also I have to say a thank you to James Gurney for posting about Meissonier on his art blog.
Below you will find some pictures of his, a video talking about him and some links.
Links
“The Greatest Painter in the World” Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier (French, 1815-1891)