Priya Kapoor
Joan of Arc, the medieval teenage martyr, has been the subject of fascination for centuries, with artists continually inspired by her life, trial, death, and legacy. One of the most famous artworks depicting Joan of Arc is the 1879 painting by Jules Bastien-Lepage, which is currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This painting is a masterpiece of realism, capturing the moment when Joan of Arc, dressed in peasant clothes, experiences a spiritual awakening as she is visited by saints. This artwork has been praised for its use of pose and facial expression to convey the profound faith of its subject.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Jules Bastien-Lepage |
| Year | 1879 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Current location | Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
| Subjects | Joan of Arc, Saints Michael, Margaret, and Catherine |
| Style | Realism, Impressionism |
| Symbolism | Catholic, French patriotism |
| Size | 8 x 9 feet |
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What You'll Learn
Jules Bastien-Lepage's painting of Joan of Arc
Jules Bastien-Lepage's "Joan of Arc" is an oil painting on canvas from 1879. It is a large painting, nearly eight and a half feet tall. The painting is currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The painting depicts Joan of Arc, a medieval teenage martyr and national hero of France, in her parents' garden in Domrémy. It captures the moment when Joan, portrayed as a peasant girl, experiences her first vision from three saints: Michael, Margaret, and Catherine. These saints appeared to urge her to fight against the English invaders in the Hundred Years' War.
In the painting, Joan stands out among the lush greenery of the garden as she leans against a tree, deep in concentration. Her expression suggests a trance-like state as she listens intently to the saints, whose bodies float behind her, blending into the exterior of her family home. The overturned stool to her left adds a sense of sudden interruption, conveying the unexpected nature of her initial visions.
The painting caused some controversy when it was first exhibited at the Salon in 1880. Critics praised Bastien-Lepage's use of pose and facial expression to convey Joan's spiritual awakening. However, the inclusion of the saints floating in mid-air was seen as a departure from his usual naturalistic style, with some critics describing it as "false naturalism." The negative reception of the painting in France led Bastien-Lepage to leave for London, leaving an Ophelia-themed painting unfinished.
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The painting's historical context
The historical context of Jules Bastien-Lepage's 1879 painting of Joan of Arc is deeply rooted in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. France's defeat in this conflict resulted in the annexation of the eastern part of Lorraine, the region associated with both Joan of Arc and Bastien-Lepage, to the German Empire. This loss had a profound impact on French national identity, and Joan of Arc, a medieval teenage martyr and war hero from Lorraine, emerged as a powerful symbol of France's hoped-for resurgence.
Bastien-Lepage's painting reflects this historical context by depicting Joan of Arc at the moment she experiences her first vision from the saints Michael, Margaret, and Catherine. This event, which interrupted her regular chores in her parents' garden, marked the beginning of her calling as a warrior for her people. The inclusion of Catholic symbolism, such as St. Catherine's wheel and Michael's sword, adds a religious dimension to the painting, reflecting Joan's eventual sainthood and her status as a spiritual warrior.
The painting's composition, with Joan standing out among the lush greenery of her family garden, conveys a sense of isolation and awe. Her expression, body language, and wide, vivid eyes suggest a trance-like state, as she listens intently to the saints' messages. This captures the combination of her profound faith and youthful idealism that made her a compelling symbol for a nation seeking to redefine itself after a devastating loss.
The painting's initial exhibition at the Salon in 1880 sparked controversy. Critics praised Bastien-Lepage's use of pose and facial expression to convey Joan's spiritual awakening but found the inclusion of the saints contrary to his usual naturalistic style. The painting's reception led to Bastien-Lepage's departure from Paris, yet it also contributed to the growing importance of Joan of Arc in French culture during the 1870s and 1880s. The painting's depiction of Joan's spiritual and patriotic qualities resonated with a French audience seeking inspiration and a sense of national identity.
Beyond its initial impact, the painting continues to hold significance as a testament to the enduring fascination with Joan of Arc across popular culture and history. Artists have repeatedly returned to Joan of Arc as a subject, each revolutionizing how we view her as a symbol and legendary leader. Bastien-Lepage's painting, with its blend of realism and supernatural elements, stands as a unique interpretation that captures the complex interplay between the historical, religious, and patriotic aspects of Joan of Arc's legacy.
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Symbolism in the painting
The 1879 painting "Joan of Arc" by Jules Bastien-Lepage is rich in symbolism and carries a strong message about the subject's role as a patriotic symbol of France. Here is a detailed analysis of the symbolism in the painting:
Composition and Setting:
The painting depicts Joan of Arc in her parents' garden in Domrémy, France. She stands out in the lush greenery, leaning against a tree for support. The garden setting symbolizes peace and tranquility, contrasting with the urgent message being conveyed to Joan by the saints. The inclusion of her family home in the background adds a sense of familiarity and roots the scene in Joan's personal history.
The Saints:
The painting includes three saints: Michael, Margaret, and Catherine. These saints are said to have appeared to Joan of Arc, urging her to fight the English invaders during the Hundred Years' War. Their presence symbolizes divine intervention and guidance. Saint Michael, often depicted as a warrior angel, carries a sword, which symbolizes Joan's calling to defend France. The inclusion of these saints was controversial among critics, who found it contrary to Bastien-Lepage's usual naturalistic style, coining it "false naturalism."
Joan's Pose and Expression:
Joan's pose and facial expression convey a sense of spiritual awakening. She appears deep in thought, perhaps reeling from the sudden appearance of the saints. Her upward gaze and trance-like state suggest she is listening intently to the messages being delivered by the saints. Critics at the Salon of 1880 praised Bastien-Lepage's ability to capture this moment of spiritual transformation.
The Overturned Stool:
The inclusion of an overturned stool to the left of Joan suggests the suddenness and unexpected nature of her visions. It implies that she has been interrupted during her regular household chores, adding a sense of everyday life to the supernatural event.
Clothing and Armor:
In the painting, Joan is dressed in typical peasant clothes, including a red dress. This attire signifies her humble beginnings and the relatively normal life she led before her calling as a warrior. The inclusion of a helmet and sword nearby hints at her future role as a military leader.
National Symbolism:
Joan of Arc herself is a symbol of French patriotism, especially following the country's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. The painting's symbolism extended beyond its subject matter, as it contributed to the cultural scene in France during the 1870s and 1880s. The white lilies in Albert Lynch's 1903 portrait of Joan of Arc further emphasize national symbolism, as they represent the fleur-de-lis, a symbol of France, as well as purity and hope.
Overall, the symbolism in the painting "Joan of Arc" by Jules Bastien-Lepage serves to capture the subject's spiritual awakening, convey her role as a patriotic symbol of France, and provide insight into her legendary life and legacy.
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Joan of Arc's portrayal in art
Joan of Arc, the medieval teenage martyr from the French province of Lorraine, has been a source of artistic inspiration for nearly six centuries. She has been portrayed in art in a variety of ways, from her humble beginnings as a peasant girl to her transformation into a symbol of courage, resilience, and defiance.
One of the most well-known portrayals of Joan of Arc in art is the 1879 painting by Jules Bastien-Lepage, which is exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This life-sized painting depicts Joan of Arc experiencing her first vision from the saints Michael, Margaret, and Catherine, who appear to her in her parents' garden in Domrémy, urging her to fight the English in the Hundred Years' War. Bastien-Lepage's use of Joan's pose and facial expression to convey her spiritual awakening was praised by critics at the Salon of 1880, although the inclusion of the saints was seen as contrary to his usual naturalistic style.
Another notable portrayal of Joan of Arc is the 1865 painting by John Everett Millais, which shows Joan on her knees at prayer. Millais' piece depicts Joan from the front, with her eyes gazing upwards in a moment of vulnerability, pleading with God or the angels for guidance. The absence of distractions in the background adds to the emotional impact of the piece.
In more recent times, artist Donato Giancola has portrayed Joan of Arc's capture by the Burgundians at the siege of Compiègne in a historical realist style. This painting uses lighting and movement to envelop the viewer in the tragic nature of Joan's capture, with soldiers grasping at her body and banner while she looks on with one arm outstretched, accepting her fate.
Joan of Arc has also been portrayed in art beyond traditional paintings. For example, in 1909, the Paris hairdresser Antoine took Joan of Arc as the inspiration for the "bob" haircut, which ended centuries of taboo against women cutting their hair. This style became popular in the 1920s and has had a lasting impact on Western hair fashions.
Overall, Joan of Arc's portrayal in art has evolved over time, reflecting the changing perceptions of this iconic heroine and her legacy as a symbol of France 's hoped-for resurgence after military defeat.
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Other artists' works featuring Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc, or Jeanne d'Arc in French, has been a source of artistic inspiration for nearly six centuries. There is a vast array of works of art dedicated to her, ranging from paintings and sculptures to literature and music.
One of the earliest known artistic depictions of Joan of Arc is a sketch by Clément de Fauquembergue from 1429. In this drawing, Joan is portrayed with long, braided hair, holding a banner in one hand and a sword or dagger in the other, with a determined expression on her face. Another early work is the illuminated manuscript "Vigiles du roi Charles VII à neuf psaumes et neuf leçons" by the French poet Martial d'Auvergne, created just 62 years after Joan's execution. The manuscript chronicles key moments in Joan's life, such as the siege of Orléans, her meeting with King Charles VII, her capture, and her execution.
Moving into the 19th century, French artist Jules Bastien-Lepage created a painting titled "Joan of Arc" in 1880, which is now housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This work depicts Joan in her parents' garden in Domremy, listening to the inner voices that guided her, including the recognisable figure of Saint Michael in armour. Another notable sculpture from this period is "Joan of Arc in Domremy, listening to heavenly voices" (1886-1887) by Henri-Marc-Antoine Chapu, a marble statue that captures the ethereal quality of Jeanne's spiritual experiences.
The 19th century also saw the creation of dramatic works inspired by Joan of Arc, such as Friedrich Schiller's 1801 play "The Maid of Orleans", which inspired at least 82 different dramatic works during the 19th century, including operatic adaptations by Verdi and Tchaikovsky.
In the 20th century, Joan of Arc continued to be a subject of artistic fascination. Hermann Anton Stilke's painting "Joan of Arc’s Death at the Stake" (1843), housed in The State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, depicts the moment of Joan's death, with a beautiful symmetry and an idealised view of her innocent and pious nature. In 1979, the Bibliothèque Municipale in Rouen, France, displayed a gallery of over 500 images and items related to Joan of Arc, demonstrating her enduring cultural significance.
Joan of Arc has also left her mark on popular culture, with references in fashion, advertising, and music. For example, in Benetton's 1988 "United Superstars of Benetton" campaign, one of the models was dressed as Joan of Arc. Whoopi Goldberg played Joan in a 2010 commercial for Kimberly-Clark's Poise, and the bean brand B&G Foods named one of its products "Joan of Arc". Musicians have also been inspired by Joan's story, with songs about her by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark in the 1980s and Leonard Cohen in 1971.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the artist is Jules Bastien-Lepage and the painting is an oil on canvas.
The painting was made in 1879 and is currently displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA.
The painting is about 8x9 feet.
Joan of Arc is depicted with a look of awe and intelligence, as if she is experiencing a spiritual awakening.
The painting was created after the Franco-Prussian War, in which France ceded part of its territory to the German Empire. Joan of Arc, who was from the region of Lorraine, became an increasingly important symbol of French patriotism and hope for resurgence.
