Maude Adams (1872–1953) as Joan of Arc
The medieval heroine Joan of Arc gestures in amazement at the apparition behind her, encouraging her to lead French troops in battle. Mucha, who was based in Paris, was prompted to create this painting on a trip to the United States. It was made to promote a one-night gala performance of Friedrich Schiller’s The Maid of Orleans, starring the popular actress Maude Adams, held at Harvard University Stadium on June 22, 1909. The stylized floral patterns, swirling hair and garments, and flat, graphic quality of the composition typified Mucha’s work as a wildly successful commercial illustrator. He also designed the complementary frame.
Artwork Details
- Title: Maude Adams (1872–1953) as Joan of Arc
- Artist: Alphonse Mucha (Czech, Ivančice 1860–1939 Prague)
- Date: 1909
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 82 1/4 x 30 in. (208.9 x 76.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of A. J. Kobler, 1920
- Object Number: 20.33
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
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