Jean-Baptiste Auguste Barrias was a French sculptor known for his detailed and emotive depictions of historical and mythological figures. He regularly exhibited at the Salon between 1865 and 1904, gaining recognition for his skill in capturing both the physicality and the emotional depth of his subjects.
Barrias is particularly celebrated for his depictions of Joan of Arc, including the marble ‘Jeanne d'Arc devant ses juges’ (Joan of Arc Before Her Judges) created in 1891 for Bonsecours near Rouen. In 1892, he revisited the subject creating ‘Jeanne d’Arc Prisonnière’, reworking the statue to depict her wearing a Bascinet helmet. The change was inspired by a 15th-century stone head discovered in the ruins of a church in Orléans that was believed to have been modelled after Joan’s likeness.
This popularity of Barrias’ ‘Jeanne d’Arc Prisonnière’ composition is demonstrated by the fact it was produced in five sizes by the Susse Frères foundry. The present lot is a rare example of the largest size.