Artwork
The Crowning at Rheims of the Dauphin (Joan of Arc series: V)
The Crowning at Rheims of the Dauphin (Joan of Arc series: V) is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This painting, rendered in oil and gold leaf on canvas, is part of a larger sequence of works dedicated to the life of Joan of Arc.
Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel completed *The Crowning at Rheims of the Dauphin (Joan of Arc series: V)* in 1907. This painting, rendered in oil and gold leaf on canvas, is part of a larger sequence of works dedicated to the life of Joan of Arc. It captures a pivotal moment in her story, depicting the coronation of the Dauphin, a scene elevated by the artist's distinctive use of materials and dramatic composition.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork depicts the coronation of the Dauphin at Rheims, a key event in Joan of Arc's narrative. Joan is portrayed kneeling in armor, holding a flag, as a bishop places the crown upon the Dauphin, who is dressed in blue robes trimmed with fur. The deliberate application of gold leaf around the central figures serves more than a decorative purpose; it imbues the scene with a sense of timelessness and spiritual significance, lifting it beyond a simple historical depiction.
Technique & Style
Boutet de Monvel utilized oil paint in conjunction with gold leaf to create a powerful visual impact. The radiant gold leaf surrounds the figures, making them appear to glow against a dark background. This technique, combined with the artist's choice of bold colors and dramatic illumination, gives the composition a theatrical quality, akin to a carefully staged scene. The interplay of light and shadow, enhanced by the metallic sheen, contributes to the painting's compelling and elevated atmosphere.
Artist & collection
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