Charles Meynier’s Historical and Mythological Paintings

May 8th, 2018

Awake Goy

Charles Meynier (1762 – 1832) was a French painter and collector of artwork. His father had wanted him to become a tailor, but he showed a proclivity for the arts from an early age; he started with drawing and engraving, but soon wished to pursue painting. His career was somewhat interrupted by the French Revolution, as he was not able to spend a full five years studying in Rome. He returned to Paris during the Reign of Terror and used the revolution as a subject in some of his works, which could be classified as Neo-Classical. When Napoleon came to power he was given several public commissions to celebrate the victory of the First Empire. His pieces won many awards throughout his lifetime.