Who painted A portrait of 'Mrs Rousby, as "Joan of Arc"'?

A portrait of 'Mrs Rousby, as "Joan of Arc"' was painted by London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company in 1875.

Where can I see A portrait of 'Mrs Rousby, as "Joan of Arc"'?

A portrait of 'Mrs Rousby, as "Joan of Arc"' is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is A portrait of 'Mrs Rousby, as "Joan of Arc"'?

A portrait of 'Mrs Rousby, as "Joan of Arc"' is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

A portrait of 'Mrs Rousby, as "Joan of Arc"'

London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company , 1875

A portrait of 'Mrs Rousby, as "Joan of Arc"' is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The 1875 carte‑de‑visite presents Clara Marion Jessie Rousby in a three‑quarter portrait, dressed in a stage costume representing Joan of Arc. The image captures her in a military uniform, complete with a helmet and sword, against a plain, light‑colored backdrop. It is part of the Windsor Collection, formerly housed at Windsor Castle.

Subject & Meaning

Rousby assumes the iconic role of the French heroine, her pose—right hand on the sword hilt, left hand gripping the scabbard—conveying resolve and martial vigor. The costume’s embroidered dress and feathered helmet reinforce the narrative of a determined, legendary figure.

Technique & Style

Executed as a carte‑de‑visite, the photograph employs the mid‑19th‑century studio practice of small, album‑type prints. The monochrome tonal range emphasizes texture and form, while the three‑quarter angle provides a balanced view of costume details.

History & Provenance

The print entered the Windsor Collection, a private assemblage of photographs and documents associated with the royal household. Royal Librarian Owen Morshead (1926‑1958) recorded its presence, confirming its former location at Windsor Castle before its later cataloguing.

Artist & collection

Artist

London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company

They snapped portraits for London’s theater crowd in the 1800s, turning actors and dancers into instant celebrities.

Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

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