Jeanne d'Arc te paard 1831 - 1904

Editor: We’re looking at "Jeanne d'Arc te paard" by Arnoud Schaepkens, made sometime between 1831 and 1904. It’s a print, an engraving to be exact. The image feels very charged, full of tension and movement. What historical narratives or contexts inform your reading of this piece? Curator: The Romantic era’s fascination with historical and mythical figures certainly shapes it, doesn't it? Note how Joan is rendered, not merely as a soldier, but as an almost ethereal figure leading troops to war, even when the piece was created long after her lifetime. What's particularly striking to me is the role this kind of imagery played in solidifying national identity in 19th-century France. Editor: So, it’s not just about commemorating Joan of Arc, but also about building a sense of national pride? Curator: Exactly. Think about the time period – France had gone through revolutions and shifting political landscapes. Images like this, widely circulated through prints, served to unite people under a shared heroic past and assert political messages. The artwork serves a public function. What do you think about how gender roles are reinforced here? Editor: I hadn't really thought about it that way. So, despite depicting a powerful woman, it could still reinforce societal expectations, using her image for nationalistic goals rather than purely celebrating her individual achievements? Curator: Precisely. Art is rarely created in a vacuum; it's responding to and shaping the culture around it. We’re not just seeing an image of Joan of Arc; we're witnessing how she was strategically portrayed. I am going to think twice now before just praising the artist! Thanks. Editor: That's fascinating, framing the artwork's role within these socio-political currents helps in getting a clearer picture.