Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc), After Henri Chapu
After Henri Michel Antoine Chapu (French, 1833–1891)
Cast by F. Barbedienne, with Collas mechanical reduction
France, late 19th century
Patinated bronze
Bronze: 13 1/2 in. high; Overall: 16 in.
This bronze sculpture of Joan of Arc in prayer is a reduction of Henri Chapu’s celebrated 1870 marble, which marked a turning point in French sculpture for its emotional naturalism and nationalistic sentiment. This cast bears the signature “Chapu”, the foundry mark “F. Barbedienne Fondeur”, and a pastille for “Reduction Mécanique / A. Collas Breveté,” indicating it was precisely scaled down from the original using Achille Collas’ patented reduction process.
A popular symbol of French patriotism and piety, Joan of Arc was a favored subject in the Belle Époque period, and this version would have graced many educated and upper-class interiors.
