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The Many Faces of Joan of Arc

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I don’t know how much you know about Jeanne d’Arc, as she’s called in French, but most people probably remember that she was a peasant girl who heard divine voices, then, disguised as a man, led the French army to several victories during the One Hundred Years’ War after which she was sold to the English and burnt on the stake for heresy in Orléans at the age of 19.

Tapisserie de la Reconnaissance: Joan of Arc recognises the Dauphin Charles
Tapisserie de la Reconnaissance: Joan of Arc recognises the Dauphin Charles

Chinon, on the western tip of the Loire Valley, is where she first gained access to the royal court in 1428. She was 16 at the time. I won’t go into any further history because it’s a bit complicated and isn’t really my thing. Suffice to say that historians do not agree on her real participation. Some believe she was mainly a mascot while others maintain that she was a skilled tactician and a successful strategist, although it hardly seems possible when you consider her background and age.

Joan of Arc in French history books
Joan of Arc in French history books

Anyway, the reason I’m writing about her here is that, when we visited the Castle of Chinon a couple of weeks ago, there was a whole room devoted to her, with many illustrations showing various faces of the Maid of Orleans. I only regret that I didn’t note the dates and artists. I found it quite amazing to see how differently she was depicted.

Joan of Arc looking very Venetian
Joan of Arc looking very Venetian

 

Joan of Arc disguised as a musketeer
Joan of Arc disguised as a musketeer

 

Joan of Arc brandishing her banner
Joan of Arc brandishing her banner

 

Joan of Arc hearing the voices in a pastoral setting
Joan of Arc hearing the voices in a pastoral setting

 

Joan of Arc on the stake in  Orleans
Joan of Arc on the stake in Orleans

 

Joan of Arc no longer disguised as a boy
Joan of Arc no longer disguised as a boy

But the one I liked best was at the end. It’s a poster by William Haskell Coffin to encourage Americans to buy war saving stamps during World War II. This time, I thought to take a photo of the information as well. Isn’t she just what you’d imagine a 15th century peasant girl to look like!

Joan of Arc held up as an example to American women!
Joan of Arc held up as an example to American women!

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