Production: 1900
Estate: Ceramic
Technique(s) : Earthenware (high fire décor)
Dimensions : Height : 21.8 cm ; Width : 24 cm ; Thickness : 16.5 cm
Inventory no.: 10310
Cartel
This polychrome earthenware bust depicts Joan of Arc, with short hair and slightly low-cut armor. The bluish base is decorated with oves, an egg-shaped ornamental motif. In the center is the Pucelle's coat of arms, a sword surmounted by a crown and surrounded by fleurs-de-lis.
According to tradition, the sword in her coat of arms is that of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, a village in the Indre-et-Loire region. Indeed, La Pucelle's voices led her to the town's church to find the sword of Charles Martel (circa 688-741). This heritage has been affirmed by local prelates, particularly since the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871, when France lost Alsace-Lorraine.
Although the Manufacture of origin of this work has not been determined, there are similar works on the art market. For example, a Buste de Jeanne d'Arc en armure by Ruffony (19th-20th century), in bronze on a green marble base, is similar in composition to our faience (sale 9.06.2012, Hôtel des ventes de Dreux). Similar in size, they echo the devotional works that appeared in large numbers at the turn of the century.
Provenance
Manual donation by Daniel Roux-Devillas, December 15, 1950.
