Jeanne d'Arc
Poster
ca. 1889-1890 (produced)
ca. 1889-1890 (produced)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Eugène Grasset worked as a book illustrator and poster designer in Paris towards the end of the 19th century. His work brought him into contact with the Montmartre circle of artists including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, though it is clear from looking at this poster that Grasset's work was more conservative than that of the avant-garde Toulouse-Lautrec.
The poster was commissioned by Sarah Bernhardt, the French actress, to advertise her stage appearance in the role of Jeanne d'Arc, or Joan of Arc, and Grasset clearly evokes the saint's piety in the design of the poster, which strongly resembles a stained glass window.
The poster was commissioned by Sarah Bernhardt, the French actress, to advertise her stage appearance in the role of Jeanne d'Arc, or Joan of Arc, and Grasset clearly evokes the saint's piety in the design of the poster, which strongly resembles a stained glass window.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Jeanne d'Arc (assigned by artist) |
| Materials and techniques | Colour lithograph on paper |
| Brief description | Colour lithograph advertising Sarah Bernhardt as Joan of Arc, by Eugène Samuel Grasset, Paris, ca. 1889-1890. |
| Physical description | Shows Sarah Bernhardt as Jeanne d'Arc, showing the saint dressed for battle, with a banner depicting the Virgin and Child in one hand and her other hand on her heart. Arrows enter the composition from the left-hand side and miraculously miss Jeanne. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by anonymous donor |
| Object history | Sarah Bernhardt commissioned this poster to advertise her appearance in Jeanne d'Arc by Jules Barbier which opened at the Théâtre de la Porte St. Martin in 1890. Its designer, Eugène Samuel Grasset, was one of the leaders of the Art Nouveau style. The stained-glass outline, elongated figure and mediaevalized lettering of Jeanne d'Arc exemplify his linear style. The design did not wholly satisfy Bernhardt, and a revised version was produced. |
| Historical context | Grasset also designed furniture, jewellery, illustrations, typefaces, and stained glass. His posters reflect his enthusiasm for mediaeval art. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | Eugène Grasset worked as a book illustrator and poster designer in Paris towards the end of the 19th century. His work brought him into contact with the Montmartre circle of artists including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, though it is clear from looking at this poster that Grasset's work was more conservative than that of the avant-garde Toulouse-Lautrec. The poster was commissioned by Sarah Bernhardt, the French actress, to advertise her stage appearance in the role of Jeanne d'Arc, or Joan of Arc, and Grasset clearly evokes the saint's piety in the design of the poster, which strongly resembles a stained glass window. |
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| Bibliographic reference | Taken from Departmental Circulation Register 1962 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | CIRC.581-1962 |
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| Record created | April 13, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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