Joseph Blanc
1846–1904 · French painter of ancient history and mythology
Joseph Blanc (Paris, 1846 – Paris, 1904) was a French painter known for scenes from ancient history and mythology, as well as for portraits of political figures of the Third Republic. His importance lies in combining large-scale academic painting with public decorative commissions and a teaching career.
He trained at the École des Beaux-Arts under Émile Bin and Alexandre Cabanel. In 1867 he won the Prix de Rome for painting with The Murder of Laius by Oedipus, and in 1889 he was appointed professor at the same school. His studio in Montmartre also functioned as an art school.
Besides his favourite subjects, he produced many portraits of politicians such as Georges Clemenceau, Léon Gambetta and Paul Bert. He took part in decorating several buildings, including the Panthéon, where he painted The Vow of Clovis at the Battle of Tolbiac, The Baptism of Clovis and The Triumph of Clovis. His decorative work can also be seen at the Opéra-Comique and the Hôtel de Ville.
He also designed postage stamps featuring Marianne, issued in several denominations and overprinted for the French colonies; they were commonly called "Blancs". The original engraved wooden block is held at the Musée de La Poste in Paris.
Works (1)
This mythological painting by Joseph Blanc, dated 1869, shows Perseus alongside Medusa and Pegasus, figures from a well-known Greek myth. In the tradition, Pegasus was born from Medusa's blood after the hero killed her. No details about the commission or the artist's intentions are available here, so the scene is best read through the iconography of the myth.
Where to see the work
- Musée d'Orsay Paris · 1
Teachers and pupils
Studied with
- Alexandre Cabanel 1823–1889
- Émile Bin 1825–1897