Henri-Michel-Antoine Chapu

There are some slightly discoloured inclusions to the left shoulder and the lap. There is some minor dirt and wear to the surface. Otehrwise the condition is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Joan of Arc fascinated Chapu; he passionately studied all of the writings about her, from the medieval chronicles to the poems of his contemporaries.

Chapu's figure of Joan of Arc is probably the best known sculpture of the French heroine. Both the plaster model (Museum of Belfort) exhibited at the Salon of 1870, and the marble version (Depot of the Louvre, Amboise, City Hall), shown two years later, were purchased by the State. Marble replicas are located in the Château at Chantilly and in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen.

The sculpture depicts Joan as a peasant in prayer in her native town of Domrémy.

RELATED LITERATURE
Marie Busco, 19th Century French and Western European Sculpture in Bronze and other Media, Shepherd Gallery 1985, p. 144-145