Updated Ekim 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 238 works by Ernest Meissonier in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals Ernest Meissonier left, the most famous is Napoleon and his Staff (1868), in the collection of the Wallace Collection, Londra. Close behind it come Portrait of Marquesa de Manzanedo (1872) and The Painting Connoisseurs (1860). Our catalog holds 238 works by Ernest Meissonier; the gallery has kept the 100 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
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.
A Cuirassier
12
The Star of the Dragoons under Louis XV1863 · Condé Müzesi
13
The Recital1853 · Wallace Collection
14
The HaltMusée Massey
15
Leland Stanford1881 · Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
16
A Musketeer Time of Louis XIII1856 · Wallace Collection
17
The Defense of Paris1870 · Şikago Sanat Enstitüsü
18
Sunday in Poissy1850
19
The Jovial Trooper1865 · Walters Art Museum
20
Petit poste de Grand'Garde, 8e Hussards en 18031869 · Musée d'Orsay
21
The Card Players1863 · Metropolitan Sanat Müzesi
22
On a TerraceMusée des Beaux-Arts
23
The Roadside Inn1865 · Wallace Collection
24
The Deathbed1841 · Amsterdam Museum
25
Playing soldiers, seven figures1840
26
The Bravos1852 · Bavarian State Painting Collections
27
A Sentinel: Time of Louis XIII1851 · Wallace Collection
28
Arrival at the castle1850 · National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba
29
A Guard1849 · National Gallery of Ireland
30
Man Reading1851
31
A Poet1859
32
The Flute Player1858 · Musée National du Château de Compiègne
33
The Bibliophile1862 · National Gallery of Ireland
34
Officer and halberdier1860 · Rijksmuseum Twenthe
35
The Standard Bearer1857
36
The Musician1859
37
The Emperor Napoleon III at the Battle of Solferino1863 · Musée d'Orsay
38
Napoleon and his Staff1868 · Wallace Collection
39
Man in a Red Cloak1867 · National Gallery of Ireland
40
A Song1865 · National Gallery of Ireland
41
Jules Pelletier1867
42
Maurice, Comte de Saxe Leading His Troops1866
43
Diderot and his Scribe1869
44
Group of Cavalry in the Snow: Moreau and Dessoles before Hohenlinden1875 · National Gallery of Ireland
45
The Card Players1872
46
The Phiosopher1878
47
The sergeants portrait1874 · Hamburger Kunsthalle
48
Colonel Félix Massue1867 · Wallace Collection
49
The Out-Post1880 · Şikago Sanat Enstitüsü
50
Bridge at Poissy (Pêcheurs à ligne)1881 · Cleveland Museum of Art
51
The Sentry (La Vedette)1890
52
The Guard Room1847 · Wallace Collection
53
Dragon à cheval portant le manteau en bandoulièreLouvre Müzesi
54
Study of a hand with book
55
Musketeer1870 · Hermitaj Müzesi
56
The Card Players1863
57
The chess game
58
HorsemanMuseum of Fine Arts
59
Dragon à cheval
60
Dragon en vedette dans la campagneLouvre Müzesi
61
French, meissonier)1815
62
A Man in Black smoking a Pipe1854 · National Gallery
63
A Gentleman of the Reign of Louis XIII1849 · Scottish National Gallery
64
On Guard1860 · John and Mable Ringling Sanat Müzesi
65
A White Horse1863 · Chartwell
66
A Game of Piquet1861
67
Napoleon I, 18141862 · Walters Art Museum
68
Innocents and Card Sharpers (A Game of Piquet)1861 · National Museum Cardiff
69
Studies of a White Horse1864
70
Bachelier, Artist's Horse1871 · Petit Palais
71
Study for the Mounted Officers1869 · Joslyn Art Museum
72
Sketch for the Outpost of the Hussards1868 · Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
73
The Death of Polonius1868 · Ferens Art Gallery
74
The End of the Game of Card1870 · Walters Art Museum
75
Playing Bowles In The Fosse at Antibes1885 · Arnot Art Museum
76
The Lost Game1858 · Wallace Collection
77
Self portrait1889 · Musée d'Orsay
78
Pasquale1888
79
Portrait of Madame Sabatier, holding a small green umbrella
80
A Man in Contemporary DressNational Gallery of Ireland
81
OfficerMuseum of Fine Arts
82
The Trumpet of 1807
83
Pontoon in Venice
84
Sketch of a Soldier 1
85
Self-Portrait 1
86
Dead Man
87
A study of drapery
88
Self-portrait
89
Study of young man standing
90
The Grand Smoker
91
Punch Rose
92
The Sign Painter
93
Rider in the storm
94
An officer of the Republic
95
A gentleman, Louis XIII
96
Young smoker in the window
97
The Sleep of the bailiff
98
Man Smoking
99
Dideroi
100
Study for the project of the Pantheon
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
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 |
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
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,…
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…
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 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;…
Napoleon and his Staff (1868), Wallace Collection, Londra. Portrait of Marquesa de Manzanedo (1872) and The Painting Connoisseurs (1860) come next.
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 each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 238 works by Ernest Meissonier, dated from 1838 to 1890.
Mostly in Wallace Collection (Londra), Musée d'Orsay (Paris) and National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1860s: 30 of the 100 works on this page were made then, Napoleon and his Staff among them.
On this page, the earliest is Isaiah (1838) and the latest The Sentry (La Vedette) (1890).
Men (7), 19th century (6) and Military history (5), across the 100 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas, for 11 of the 100 works on this page.
Realism and Academic realism, judging by the originals on this page.
Napoleon and his Staff, The Hired Assassins and Isaiah: the Wallace Collection, Londra holds 13 of the works on this page.
Yes, as a reproduction: the original stays in its museum, but any painting on this page can be painted by hand for you, made to order one at a time, from the painting's own page.
