An Original Letter Handwritten, Drawn and Signed by Artist Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier. Undated. Autograph Letter Signed, 'E. Meissonier', no place, no date (vendredi), to Mademoiselle Colette, in French, concerning an exhibition and a visit to his studio, the day 'vendredi' written three times at head, the initial letter incorporating thumbnail sketches of a man's head, a note added in English below his signature, 'What remembrance of crabs of Tuesday!!! perhaps wanted pepper? A little more butter in the sauce, some carrots, do not fear any slice of onion', Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier 1815-1891 was a French Classicist painter and sculptor famous for his depictions of Napoleon, his armies and military themes. He documented sieges and manoeuvres and was the teacher of Édouard Detaille. Meissonier enjoyed great success in his lifetime, and was acclaimed both for his mastery of fine detail and assiduous craftsmanship. The English art critic John Ruskin examined his work at length under a magnifying glass, "marvelling at Meissonier's manual dexterity and eye for fascinating minutiae" Size is 203mm x 120mm. Condition is good. Light folding creases.