Jeanne d'Arc 1875 - 1900

This gilded bronze bust of Joan of Arc was created by Antonin Mercié, likely sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The warm, metallic surface gives the sculpture a sense of strength and divinity. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, has been prized for millennia for its durability and castability. Notice the detailed texture of the chainmail and the smooth surfaces of the armor, which show Mercié’s mastery of the material. Consider the social context, though. Bronze casting was an expensive process, requiring skilled labor and specialized workshops. This bust, with its idealized representation of Joan of Arc, speaks to the artistic and economic structures of its time, as well as the tradition of bronze sculpture. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate the deeper layers of meaning embedded in this striking artwork.