Street Scene Near Antibes

Medium: Oil On Panel
Size: 32.2 x 23.8 cm (12.7 x 9.4 in)
Signed: Signed lower right (monogram): EM

Provenance: Private collection, France.

The smooth, hard surface of a panel particularly suited Meissonier's meticulous technique, as it had suited the Dutch seventeenth century masters whom he so much admired. 'I never hesitate to scratch out a day's work and start again if I think I can do better', he said.' 'Nearly all my drawings (not to mention painted panels) have bits of paper stuck on them ... how often do you hear in the sale room, "That's a Meissonier, there are additions" '."I often make additions to my pictures. Since I alter my sketches in the same way it becomes essential. When adding to a panel, never use a cradle. The wood must always be free to expand, as it wants, and a tongue join will suffice – I’m always doing this. If the tongue were glued it would be no good, but I’m always very careful that the wood should not be constrained, and that any addition is of the same wood, with the grain running in the same direction’.