Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy; costume design for Jeanne d'Arc by the Paris Opera 1897

Charles Bianchini created this costume design for Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, likely in the late 19th century for a production of Jeanne d'Arc at the Paris Opera. Rendered in watercolor, gouache, and ink, the design presents a figure adorned in rich purples and golds, colors traditionally associated with royalty and power. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the Duke's stature and presence. Bianchini's use of line is meticulous, defining the intricate details of the costume, from the delicate chainmail sleeves to the elaborate embroidery on the Duke's robe. The texture is suggested through the layering of colors and the hatching technique, giving a sense of depth to the fabrics. Note how Bianchini employed a semiotic system through his color choices and design elements, using cultural codes associated with nobility to convey the Duke's status. The artwork invites us to consider the role of costume in constructing identity and power within a theatrical context. The figure stands as a signifier of historical and dramatic narrative, inviting the viewer to interpret the complex layers of meaning embedded within the design.