Artwork
The Maid in Armor on Horseback (Joan of Arc series: III)
The Maid in Armor on Horseback (Joan of Arc series: III) is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The painting "The Maid in Armor on Horseback (Joan of Arc series: III)" was created by Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel around 1908.
The painting "The Maid in Armor on Horseback (Joan of Arc series: III)" was created by Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel around 1908. This particular work is the third piece within a larger sequence dedicated to the historical figure of Joan of Arc. Through this series, Boutet de Monvel explored various pivotal moments and aspects of her life, contributing to the visual narrative surrounding the French heroine.
Subject & Meaning
This artwork depicts Joan of Arc as a formidable figure, mounted on horseback and fully equipped for battle. She is shown wearing armor and holding both a sword and a flag, attributes that symbolize her military leadership and divine inspiration. The portrayal emphasizes her role as a warrior and a national symbol, capturing her readiness and conviction in the face of her historical mission.
Technique & Style
Boutet de Monvel utilized oil paint combined with gold leaf on canvas for this work. The inclusion of gold leaf was a distinctive choice for the period, lending a unique luminosity and a sense of preciousness to the surface. This technique not only highlights the importance of the subject but also imbues the painting with a decorative quality, referencing historical artistic traditions while maintaining the artist's illustrative approach.
Artist & collection
