Portrait of Marquesa de Manzanedo

Ernest Meissonier painted the Portrait of Marquesa de Manzanedo in 1872, depicting Josefa Manzanedo e Intentas de Mitjans, the 2nd Marchioness of Manzanedo. Meissonier was renowned for his attention to fine detail, and the English art critic John Ruskin famously examined his work under a magnifying glass, marveling at his manual dexterity.

Meissonier (1815-1891) was a French Classicist painter famous for his depictions of Napoleon and military themes, but he also produced portraits of considerable refinement. Born in Lyon, he excelled at depicting scenes of chivalry and masculine adventure, but his skill extended to society portraiture as well. This portrait demonstrates his academic training and mastery of textures.

The painting hangs at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, where it represents the French Academic tradition alongside the museum's Spanish major works. Meissonier's careful rendering of costume and setting reflects his characteristic precision, applied here to a portrait of Spanish nobility.