Bastien-Lepage's

One of the most remarkable works in the 19th Century European Paintings section of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is Jules Bastien-Lepage’s 1879 Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc). Although displayed in a long hall featuring a number of other paintings, reliefs, and sculptures, it draws a certain amount of attention because of its superior size. (100 x 110 inches) Yet despite its large scale, it does seem slightly crammed in with the great amount of other …

…is a theme more common in the works by the likes of Bonheur and Millet. The tranquil setting and warm color scheme, in addition to the depiction of a French peasant woman, are in fact very reminiscent of Millet’s The Gleaners. That is in contrast to the often upper-middle class scenes that are usual in the Impressionists era. It is this unique combination of styles and themes that ultimately makes this painting so effective.