Early 20th Century French Patinated Spelter Joan of Arc by Ernest Legrand

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Striking in scale and exceptionally detailed, this antique French sculpture depicts Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) in full medieval armor, … Read more Striking in scale and exceptionally detailed, this antique French sculpture depicts Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) in full medieval armor, standing triumphantly while holding her battle standard. Crafted in France circa 1900, the figure is signed “E. Legrand” on the base and was modeled by French sculptor Ernest Legrand (1872–1912).

Joan is rendered with remarkable attention to her plate armor, chain mail, articulated gauntlets, sword, and flowing standard. A removable knight’s helmet rests dramatically at her feet, while the dark rocky groundwork contrasts beautifully with the silver-toned patination of her armor. The sculpture stands on a molded circular red-marbleized base fitted with a plaque inscribed “Jeanne d’Arc par Legrand – Grand Prix de Rome.”

Legrand studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Paul Dubois and Gabriel-Jules Thomas and worked in the studio of Alfred Boucher. In 1900, he received the Premier Second Grand Prix de Rome for sculpture, an important distinction in his career; the wording on the plaque appears to refer to this prestigious achievement. He later assisted Boucher with the creation of the celebrated artists’ residence La Ruche in Paris.

Joan of Arc remains one of France’s most enduring national symbols. Her leadership during the Hundred Years’ War helped secure the coronation of Charles VII at Reims before her capture and execution in 1431 at only nineteen years old. Canonized in 1920, she is celebrated as a symbol of courage, faith, and French national identity.

The sculpture is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with a rich combination of silver, bronze, and dark patinated finishes that accentuate the finely modeled details.

Dimensions: 8.75” W x 7.5” D x 27” H See less