Artwork
The Trial of Joan of Arc (Joan of Arc series: VI)
The Trial of Joan of Arc (Joan of Arc series: VI) is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This painting, The Trial of Joan of Arc (Joan of Arc series: VI), was created by Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel around 1909. It is an oil and gold leaf work on canvas. The piece is part of a larger series dedicated to the life of Joan of Arc, focusing here on a pivotal moment in her history. It captures a solemn scene, depicting the Maid of Orléans during her ecclesiastical trial.
Subject & Meaning
This specific scene, her trial, was a critical historical event, and Boutet de Monvel aimed to underscore its profound significance.
The artwork centers on Joan of Arc as she stands before a tribunal, encircled by robed figures representing her judges. This specific scene, her trial, was a critical historical event, and Boutet de Monvel aimed to underscore its profound significance. The composition emphasizes Joan's solitary presence amidst the authoritative assembly, highlighting the gravity and drama of the proceedings that ultimately led to her condemnation.
Technique & Style
Boutet de Monvel employed oil paint alongside gold leaf on canvas to render this scene. The application of gold leaf imparts a sense of richness and historical weight, elevating the depicted event beyond a mere historical record to something more sacred or monumental. This technique contributes to the overall visual impact, suggesting the enduring importance of Joan's story. The artist's broader practice often involved meticulous detail, sometimes incorporating techniques like glazing to achieve luminosity and depth.
Artist & collection
