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Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Changed the Fate of France
She was a teenage girl who commanded armies, defied kings, and died screaming in flames—yet her name rose from the ashes to shape history forever.
Culture Explorer
January 30, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes
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Joan of Arc's story begins in 1412, in the small village of Domrémy, France. Born into a peasant family, young Joan was deeply religious. At 13, she began experiencing visions, claiming that saints instructed her to support Charles VII and help expel the English from France. These divine messages ignited a sense of purpose within her.
Joan of Arc by John Everett Millais in Private Collection (1865)
During this period, the Hundred Years' War raged between England and France. The English had made significant advances, and by 1428, they besieged the strategic city of Orléans. The French morale was low, and defeat seemed imminent. Amid this turmoil, Joan felt compelled to act on her visions.
Jeanne d'Arc écoutant les voix by Eugène Thirion (1876) at the Notre Dame Church, Ville de Chatou
Determined, Joan approached local officials, seeking an audience with Charles VII. Initially met with skepticism, her persistence paid off. She convinced Charles of her divine mission, and he allowed her to accompany the army to Orléans. Clad in armor and carrying a white banner, Joan's presence revitalized the French troops.
Joan of Arc Enters Orléans by Jean-Jacques Scherrer (1887) at the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans.
Upon arriving in Orléans in 1429, Joan's influence was immediate. She inspired the soldiers, leading to a series of successful assaults against the English. Within days, the siege was lifted, marking a turning point in the war. Joan's role in this victory solidified her reputation as a divinely guided leader.
Maid of Orleans by Jan Matejko
Buoyed by the success at Orléans, Joan urged Charles to proceed to Reims for his coronation. The journey was fraught with danger, as English forces controlled much of the territory. Nevertheless, Joan led the army through hostile regions, capturing towns along the way. In July 1429, Charles was crowned in Reims, with Joan by his side, fulfilling part of her divine mission.
Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres
Despite these triumphs, Joan's fortunes began to wane. In 1430, while defending Compiègne from Burgundian forces allied with the English, she was captured. Sold to the English, Joan faced a politically charged trial. Accused of heresy and cross-dressing—due to her wearing male military attire—she was subjected to intense interrogation.
She was a teenage girl who led armies, defied kings, and was burned alive at 19.
But Joan of Arc didn’t vanish in the flames—she became immortal. 🧵
— Culture Explorer (@CultureExploreX)
10:00 AM • Jan 30, 2025
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Joan of Arc Interrogation (1824) by Paul Delaroche at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
Throughout her trial, Joan remained steadfast. She defended her actions, asserting that her choices were guided by divine instruction. Nevertheless, the court found her guilty. In May 1431, at 19, Joan was burned at the stake in Rouen, dying with the name of Jesus on her lips.
Joan of Arc’s Death at the Stake by Hermann Stilke (1843)
Joan's death, however, was not the end of her story. In 1456, a retrial authorized by Pope Callixtus III declared her innocent, recognizing her as a martyr. Centuries later, in 1920, the Catholic Church canonized her, and she became the patron saint of France.
Joan in Reims Cathedral (1880s) by Eugène Lenepveu
Beyond her sainthood, Joan's legacy endured. During World War II, her image served as a symbol of resistance against occupation. Feminist movements also embraced her, viewing Joan as an icon of female strength and independence. Her life inspired countless works of art, literature, and film.
Joan of Arc at the Siege of Orléans (1886 -1890) by Jules Eugène Lenepveu
In modern times, Joan's story continues to captivate. She is celebrated as one of the most revered figures in French history, symbolizing courage, faith, and national identity. Her journey from a humble village to the forefront of history exemplifies the impact one individual can have.
Joan of Arc by Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Joan of Arc's life, though brief, left an indelible mark. Her unwavering faith and determination changed the course of French history. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of belief and the enduring human spirit.
“You spend half your life waiting for the ones you’ll love and half your life waiting to leave the ones you love.”
A Battle for Culture: Saving Nice’s Joan of Arc Statue
In the sun-drenched city of Nice, where the French Riviera’s beauty meets deep cultural history, a silent battle is unfolding. At the center of it stands a gilded statue of Joan of Arc, a stunning tribute to one of France’s most iconic figures. But now, due to bureaucratic red tape, this powerful symbol of courage and faith faces the threat of removal—not from war or invasion, but from administrative oversight.
Statue of Joan of Arc in Nice, France by an artist collective including Atelier Missor
This isn’t just about a statue. It’s about preserving history, identity, and the spirit of Joan of Arc herself. For the people of Nice, and for anyone who cherishes cultural integrity, this moment matters. Because if a tribute to one of France’s greatest heroines can be so easily discarded, what does that say about how we treat the past?
A Modern Fight for a Timeless Symbol
Joan of Arc wasn’t just a warrior; she was a force of nature, defying the odds to lead France toward unity and victory. The statue in Nice embodies that same resilience—standing tall, a gleaming testament to strength, belief, and national pride. Now, however, the city finds itself in a different kind of battle—not against foreign invaders, but against the cold machinery of bureaucracy.
The statue’s fate hangs in the balance because of procedural missteps in its commissioning, a technicality that now threatens to erase a piece of Nice’s cultural landscape. But here’s the real question: Should art and history be discarded over paperwork?
Why This Matters to All of Us
This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a global call to action for anyone who values art, history, and freedom of expression. Losing this statue would set a dangerous precedent: that bureaucracy can triumph over cultural heritage. We cannot let that happen.
Cultural Identity: The Joan of Arc statue is more than metal and gold—it’s a piece of France’s soul. If we allow it to disappear, we risk losing part of what defines us.
A Symbol of Unity: Joan represents strength in times of division. In today’s world, where unity often feels fragile, we need reminders of resilience more than ever.
Artistic Freedom: Art should be protected, not erased by red tape. Bureaucracy should serve culture, not threaten it.
How You Can Help
Time is running out, but we can still make a difference. Here’s how:
Spread the Word: Share this story. Talk about it. The more people who know, the harder it becomes to ignore.
Contact Officials: If you’re in France, reach out to local representatives. If you’re abroad, write to French embassies or consulates, urging them to take action.
Support Cultural Groups: Organizations dedicated to heritage preservation need volunteers, donors, and voices.
Petition and Advocate: Sign petitions, join advocacy groups, or write to media outlets. Public pressure can change decisions.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about Joan of Arc’s legacy and why this statue deserves to stand. History matters when people care enough to fight for it.
A Call to Action
We can’t allow bureaucratic negligence to erase a piece of history. The people of Nice need us—not just to save a statue, but to prove that our cultural heritage is worth defending.
This is our moment to stand, just as Joan of Arc stood against impossible odds. We can show the world that when history and art are threatened, we rise to defend them.
For Nice. For Joan. For culture.
Act now, before it’s too late.
Art
Sleeping Joan of Arc (1895) by George W. Joy
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