1814, The Campaign of France
1862 Department of Paintings of the Louvre
About this artwork
This painting depicts Napoleon I leading his troops across a muddy and snow-covered landscape during the final, unsuccessful defense of France in 1814. It is a hallmark of Meissonier's meticulous military genre scenes, noted for their historical accuracy and attention to detail.
Did you know?
Meissonier was famously obsessed with realism and reportedly bought a horse and had a rider don historical uniforms so he could paint the motion and texture from direct observation. The painting reflects the 'Napoleon cult' of the Second Empire in France, portraying the emperor as a tragic, stoic figure in the face of inevitable defeat.
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1814, The Campaign of France
Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier, 1862
