Meissonier - His Life and His Art #230037

His childhood was gloomy, his youth hard and laborious. Such early experiences as his are the common lot Of artists who make their own way in default Of help and encouragement in their homes. In Meissonier's case, however, his trials had this special feature, that they moulded his character, without embittering the sources from which his soul and genius drew their nourishment. He grew up to be both tender and courageous.