Jeanne d'Arc. Sarah Bernhardt thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On short term loan out for exhibition

Jeanne d'Arc. Sarah Bernhardt

Poster
1890 (Designed and printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Eugène Grasset worked as a book illustrator and poster designer in Paris towards the end of the 19th century. His work brought him into contact with the Montmartre circle of artists including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, though it is clear from looking at this poster that Grasset's work was more conservative than that of the avant-garde Toulouse-Lautrec.

The poster was commissioned by Sarah Bernhardt, the French actress, to advertise her stage appearance in the role of Jeanne d'Arc, or Joan of Arc, and Grasset clearly evokes the saint's piety in the design of the poster, which strongly ressembles a stained glass window.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleJeanne d'Arc. Sarah Bernhardt (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
colour lithograph on paper
Brief description
Poster, 'Jeanne d'Arc. Sarah Bernhardt' by Grasset.
Physical description
Shows Sarah Bernhardt as Jeanne d'Arc, showing the saint dressed for battle, with a banner depicting the Virgin and Child in one hand and her other hand on her heart. Arrows enter the composition from the left-hand side and miraculously miss Jeanne.
Dimensions
  • Height: 1185mm
  • Width: 774mm
Marks and inscriptions
E. Grasset (Signed)
Credit line
Given by Mrs J.T. Clarke
Summary
Eugène Grasset worked as a book illustrator and poster designer in Paris towards the end of the 19th century. His work brought him into contact with the Montmartre circle of artists including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, though it is clear from looking at this poster that Grasset's work was more conservative than that of the avant-garde Toulouse-Lautrec.

The poster was commissioned by Sarah Bernhardt, the French actress, to advertise her stage appearance in the role of Jeanne d'Arc, or Joan of Arc, and Grasset clearly evokes the saint's piety in the design of the poster, which strongly ressembles a stained glass window.
Associated objects
Bibliographic reference
Coutts, Howard and Claire Jones Toulouse Lautrec and the art of the French Poster. Bowes Museum, 2004. 53 p., ill. ISBN 0954818202.
Collection
Accession number
E.190-1921

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Record createdAugust 8, 2007
Record URL
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