Marble
France, 2nd half of the 19th century
Henri Michel Chapu (1833-1891) – French sculptor and medalist
Signed ‘Chapu’
Portrait bust of Jeanne d’Arc – Joan of Arc
Dimensions: 47.5 x 31.5 x 19 cm
Good condition consistent with age

This bust shows in soft surface design the countenance of the legendary French woman Joan of Arc. During the Hundred Years’ War she freed the city of Orléans from its English besiegers. Although the heroine continued to fight on behalf of God against the English, she was accused of heresy and burned in 1431. Henri Michel Chapu has designed her features soft and tender, it appears fair, pious and innocent and a sad shadow lies over her face. Of offered bust there exists the full-body figureJeanne d'Arc à Domrémy in the same design, which was made 1870-72 and depicts a praying Jeanne d’Arc



Condition:

The bust is in a good condition, consistent with age. Surfaces and edges are bumped and rubbed in places. Scattered scratches and fine cracks can be seen. On the reverse a restored area at the head covering can be seen. The dimensions measure 47.5 x 31.5 x 19 cm.



Henri Michel Chapu (1833-1891)

From 1949 the Frenchman studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, his teachers were here, among others James Pradier and Francisque Duret. Due to a Prix de Rome, he was given the opportunity to travel to Rome, here he lived a secluded life and studied at the Villa Medici. He became friends with Léon Bonnat and Edgar Degas, both also influenced by Gustave Moreau. Back in Paris, he regularly exhibited works of traditional style in the salon. Chapu received commissions for public buildings in Paris, for example, in 1878 he created the sculpture La Sécurité for the opera, and performed numerous monuments. He was also devoted to funerary monuments: on Père-Lachaise Cemetery is aThinker (1877). In addition to numerous sculptural works that are in public and private collections or localities, a wide range of plaster models and drawings have also been preserved (Le Mee-sur-Seine, Melun, Louvre) as well as letters from Rome to his parents (Melun).

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.