1807, Friedland

History and description

Meissonier spent fourteen years on this painting, beginning with the sky and creating separate studies for each horse and man, using wax models among other aids. One such model, used for the hussar on the left side of the canvas, has survived.

The finished work generated both widespread praise and criticism. Among the critics were novelist Henry James and painter Édouard Manet, who remarked that everything in the painting looks like steel except the cuirasses. Critic Henry Houssaye noted the scene was fictional, as Napoleon did not review his troops at Friedland.