Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII in the Cathedral of Reims (1854) by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII in the Cathedral of Reims - Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres - 1854

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Artwork Information

TitleJoan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII in the Cathedral of Reims
ArtistJean Auguste Dominique Ingres
Date1854
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions240 x 178 cm
Art MovementNeoclassicism
Current LocationLouvre, Paris, France

About Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII in the Cathedral of Reims

The artwork, “Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII in the Cathedral of Reims,” is a magisterial oil on canvas by the esteemed French painter Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, dated to 1854. As a quintessential exemplar of the Neoclassical movement, the painting stands at a stately 240 by 178 centimeters and is categorized within the genre of history painting. It is housed in the venerable Louvre Museum in Paris, France, and offers an evocative portrayal of a historic moment infused with grandeur and reverence.

At the center of the artwork stands Joan of Arc, depicted in full armor with a gentle halo around her head, suggesting her sanctity and divine mission. Her gaze is directed upwards, possibly invoking heavenly guidance or reflecting her inspired determination. She is depicted holding a standard which bears emblazoned symbols and text, signifying her allegiance and the cause for which she fought.

Surrounding Joan of Arc are several figures, including a cleric who is absorbed in reading a liturgical book and a young page who clasps his hands in prayer, observing Joan with a mixture of awe and solemnity. The meticulous attention to detail in their clothing and expressions are indicative of Ingres’ mastery in capturing the essence of his subjects and the historical context of the scene.

The space around the central figure is replete with opulent religious and regal symbolism. Noticeable are the ornately decorated elements like the altar cloth with its rich patterns, the elegant medieval armor, and the architectural elements that hint at the grandeur of the Cathedral of Reims. Meticulous in its composition, the artwork employs dramatic yet controlled coloring and uses light to accentuate the figures and symbols, making Joan’s presence the focal point of the piece.

This tableau not only represents a pivotal episode in French history but also embodies the neoclassical tenets of clear form, sober composition, and a polished finish that were so admired in the work of Ingres. The artwork underscores the solemnity of the occasion, the nobility of the protagonist, and the weight of the historical event it encapsulates.

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