But poverty did not last long. Pictures such as this young man produced
must attract attention anywhere.

He belonged to no school, but simply worked away after his own fashion;
what he was bound to do was to produce a faithful picture--sure, clear,
strong, vivid. He saw things clearly and his sympathies were acute, as is
shown in every canvas he produced.

Meissonier had the true artistic conscience--he was incapable of putting
out an average, unobjectionable picture--it must have positive
excellence. "There is a difference," said he, "between a successful
effort and a work of love." He painted only in the loving mood.

No greater blessing than the artistic conscience can come to any worker
in art, be he sculptor, writer, singer or painter. Hold fast to it, and
it shall be your compass in time when the sun is darkened. To please the
public is little, but to satisfy your Other Self, that self that leans
over your shoulder and watches your every thought and deed, is much. No
artistic success worth having is possible unless you satisfy that Other
Self.

But like the moral conscience it can be dallied with until the grieved
spirit turns away, and the wretch is left to his fate.

Meissonier never hesitated to erase a whole picture when it did not
satisfy his inward sense--customers might praise and connoisseurs offer
to buy, it made no difference. "I have some one who is more difficult to
please than you," he would say; "I must satisfy myself."