Halt at an Inn c. 1862 - 1863

Ernest Meissonier painted *Halt at an Inn* using oil paints, a medium that allowed him to build up layers of color and detail. The smooth, blended brushwork gives the scene a polished look, typical of academic painting. Look closely, and you’ll see how Meissonier used the oil paint to capture different textures: the rough stone of the building, the soft fabric of the costumes, and the gleam of the horses' coats. This attention to detail was a key part of his artistic approach. Oil paint itself has a history tied to trade and industry; pigments were sourced from various locations, and the production of paint involved skilled labor. By using this medium to depict a scene of leisure and commerce, Meissonier connects artistic practice to wider social and economic networks. Ultimately, understanding the materials and techniques Meissonier employed gives us a deeper appreciation of the painting, and its place within both art history and the broader context of 19th-century society.