Captivating Visions of Female Fortitude in Art

The young girl who became a legendary leader

Joan of Arc (1903), engraving based on an original painting by Albert Lynch, from Figaro Illustre magazine. Image source Wikimedia Commons

The figure of Joan of Arc was once a potent force in the imaginations of past generations.

Also known as the Maid of Orléans, Joan was a peasant girl who became an unparalleled military leader during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England.

The 19th century in particular saw a reemergence of her legend, undoubtedly resulting from the rise of nationalism in Europe.

In art, her youthful appearance and fearless commitment to her country became a template for notions of personal destiny, inner courage and the virtues of patriotism.

Her portrayal also offered a fascinating reversal of the traditional stereotype of the female martyr as a victimised and cloistered figure. Instead, Joan was shown embracing her visionary calling by assuming an active and audacious role within the domain of masculine power.

Joan’s Calling

Joan of Arc (1879) by Jules Bastien-Lepage. Oil on canvas. 254 × 279.4 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, U.S. Image source Wikimedia Commons (public domain).

One of the best-loved paintings of Joan of Arc is this image, made by the French artist Jules Bastien-Lepage in 1879. It depicts one of the most…