Joan of Arc
Artist
Albert Pinkham Ryder
(American, 1847–1917)
Datemid–1880s
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions25.9 x 18.1 cm (10 3/16 x 7 1/8 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineTheodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Collection
Terms
Object number1940.90
Label TextKnown for adopting literary and religious themes in his allegorical works during the 1880s, Ryder placed Saint Joan of Arc (ca. 1412-31) within a mystical landscape realized in the Tonalist style of dark, melancholic hues. A peasant girl from Lorraine, Joan of Arc was encouraged by heavenly visions to rescue France from occupying English forces during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), before being captured and executed for heresy. Through the layering of glazes, Ryder achieved shadow and luminosity to depict the saint in a moment of divine and ethereal inspiration, with an outstretched arm feeling for the voices around her. A verse from Ryder’s poem that accompanied the painting describes her spiritual transformation: “With a nation’s trouble she’s opprest/ And noble thoughts inspire her breast/ Oh gentle maid and can it be/ Thou willst do more than chivalry?”
ProvenanceThe artist; sold to Edward G. Greenshields, Montreal, by 1889; purchased by W. Scott and Sons, Montreal, around 1915; sold to Vose Galleries of Boston, November 15, 1915; purchased by Theodore T. and Mary G. Ellis, Worcester MA, August 1918; their bequest to Worcester Art Museum, 1940On View
Not on view
