The Guard Room c. 1847

Ernest Meissonier made this painting, titled "The Guard Room," using oil paint applied to a canvas. Meissonier was a master of technique, and this painting is a great example of his style. But let's consider the relationship between the artwork and the modes of production of the 19th century. Meissonier emphasizes labor and class in this work. Notice the fine detail, the material qualities of armor, textiles, and wood. He is showing us not just an image, but the amount of time and effort that went into making it, both on his part, and on the part of the artisans who produced the objects he depicts. The artist has engaged with histories of creative practices and aesthetics, alongside that of craft and fine arts. In closing, this emphasis on materials, making, and context allows us to reconsider the meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.