As Madonna famously said, “I’m not Joan of Arc, not yet. I’m only human.” Joan of Arc is one such historical figure whose influence is not just limited to politics but also art and even pop culture. Little do we come across figures from such ancient past whose references and mentions are still relevant and used to this day. Joan of Arc led a political and cultural revolution in France. Dressed in armour and male-fitted hair, the public came to the only conclusion they knew about a woman who did not follow orders: “Blimey that’s a witch!” (*insert English accent*). And then she was burned alive surrounded by continuous cheers in unison.
Well, witch or not (NOT) the legacy of Joan of Arc still remains intact in religious and artistic sentiments, hence, on her day of death, we honour Joan of Arc whilst exploring 11 famous paintings dedicated to the figure.
Short History of Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc, the warrior from France claimed she was a messenger from God who was sent to make Charles VII the rightful king of France. At the age of mere 19, she led an army to Orleans to fend off the seizure by England. In the Hundred Years War between France and England, Joan of Arc came about to be one of the most remembered figures.
Joan began to hear voices at the age of 13, which is when she realized she was by God to save the future of France. This was also when she took a vow of chastity. Post gaining the trust of the rightful king, Joan chopped off her hair and dressed in clothes of men and troops in order to lead her army. Following their victory in Orleans, Joan also gained favours from fellow French forces and gained an army of rich followers. However in 1430, while her attempt to free Compiégne from the Burgundian seizure, Joan of Arc was captured by the troop of England. In the trial that followed her capture, Joan was accused of around 0 charges, major of which were Witchcraft and dressing up in male attire. She was burned alive at the stake of a marketplace of Rouen a year later on this day, May 30th of 1431. Her name was cleared off twenty years post her death along with a beatification in Notre Dame by Pope Pius X and a canonization by Pope Benedict XV in the year 1920.
Artworks Dedicated to Joan of Arc
It is evident in history that Joan of Arc was an eminent figure not just in terms of the political history of France but also as a religious figure. This resulted in many works of art including paintings dedicated to the revered figure. Some of the most prominent artworks are listed below:
1. Joan of Arc by Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
2. Joan of Arc by Jules Bastien-Lepage.
3. Sleeping Joan of Arc by George William Joy.
4. Maid of Orleans by Jan Matejko.
5. Jeanne d’Arc by Albert Lynch.
6. Joan of Arc by John Everett Millais.
7. Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres.
8. La vision et l’inspiration by Louis-Maurice Boutet de Montvel
9. Joan of Arc by Alphonse Mucha.
10. Joan of Arc, by Gaston Bussiere
11. “Joan of Arc” or “Jeanne d’Arc”, unknown.
References
https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/saint-joan-of-arc#joan-of-arc-s-early-life
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/pursuedbytruth/2016/01/10-most-gorgeous-paintings-of-joan-of-arc.html
Vaishnavi Srivastava is a learning writer, a keen researcher and a literature enthusiast. She is a Sub-editor at Abir Pothi.
