The Roadside Inn 1865

Ernest Meissonier’s ‘The Roadside Inn’ was painted with oils on canvas, a very established technique by the time this artwork was made. Looking closely, you’ll see the artist’s expert handling of the material. The thin, almost translucent layers create a depth, especially in the foliage, that evokes the humid atmosphere of the forest. The paint is applied in small, controlled strokes, which add to the precision of the details and the realism of the scene. Meissonier was known for the extraordinary detail and hyper-realistic effects in his works, and, as you can imagine, this required countless hours of meticulous labour. The painting presents an idealised image of the French countryside, which was in stark contrast to the social realities of the time. As a highly successful and celebrated artist, Meissonier was part of the upper class, and it's worth reflecting on how the labour involved in creating such works relates to the lives of the people depicted here. The artist was meticulous, and the patron was wealthy enough to pay for the intensive labor involved in its making. Ultimately, understanding the materials, labor, and context helps us see past the surface and appreciate the artistic process and social history that shaped the artwork.