Joan of Arc

Jules Bastien-Lepage completed Joan of Arc in 1879. To prepare for the work, the artist visited Domrémy, the village where the subject was born, a location near his own birthplace in Lorraine. The painting was first exhibited at the Salon of 1880 in Paris.

Following this debut, American businessman Erwin Davis purchased the work. The piece was later shown at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889. It eventually entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it remains housed.

The creation of the work coincided with a resurgence of interest in Joan of Arc within French culture following the Franco-Prussian War and the annexation of Lorraine.

Jules Bastien-Lepage's 1879 painting emerged during a resurgence of Joan of Arc's cultural significance in 1870s France, fueled by the country's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War and the annexation of Lorraine, the native region of both the heroine and the artist. When exhibited at the 1880 Salon, critics praised the depiction of Joan's spiritual awakening through her pose and expression but criticized the inclusion of the saints as a departure from the artist's naturalism; Joris-Karl Huysmans notably dismissed it as "false naturalism." This harsh French reception reportedly drove Bastien-Lepage to Paris for London, abandoning a similarly styled Ophelia.

Artist Marie Bashkirtseff condemned the French critics' failure to appreciate the work, noting it was instead properly "worshipped" in the USA after its purchase by American businessman Erwin Davis. The painting was later exhibited at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris.

Following its exhibition at the Salon of 1880, Jules Bastien-Lepage's painting received a polarized critical reception that significantly impacted the artist's trajectory. While critics praised the depiction of Joan's spiritual awakening through her pose and facial expression, they criticized the inclusion of the saints as a departure from his naturalistic style; Joris-Karl Huysmans famously derided it as "false naturalism." This negative French reception reportedly drove Bastien-Lepage to flee Paris for London, abandoning a similarly styled Ophelia painting.

Conversely, the work found a highly appreciative audience across the Atlantic. Purchased by American businessman Erwin Davis, the painting was, as contemporary artist Marie Bashkirtseff noted, effectively "worshipped" in the United States. The work was later exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889 and ultimately entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Jules Bastien-Lepage completed his oil on canvas painting, Joan of Arc, in 1879. This significant work depicts the renowned French historical figure, Jeanne d'Arc, often known as the "Maid of Orléans." Bastien-Lepage's portrayal offers a distinctive interpretation of the national heroine, reflecting the artistic currents of the late 19th century. The painting is recognized for its particular approach to a well-known historical narrative.