The Maid Of Lorraine Collection
"The Maid of Lorraine: A Tale of Courage and Sacrifice" In the late 19th century
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"The Maid of Lorraine: A Tale of Courage and Sacrifice" In the late 19th century, the legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt took to the stage in a powerful scene from Jules Barbier's play "The Trial of Joan of Arc. " With her commanding presence, she portrayed the indomitable spirit of Joan, known as the Maid of Lorraine. Centuries earlier, Joan had heard divine voices urging her to deliver Orleans and crown the king in Reims. This pivotal moment was beautifully illustrated in an engraving from 1896, capturing Joan's determination and unwavering faith. But it wasn't just on stage that Joan's story captivated hearts. In a thought-provoking illustration titled "At Last, " published by Punch in January 1918, a female warrior celebrates Woman's Franchise. It symbolizes how women were finally gaining recognition for their strength and resilience – qualities embodied by Joan herself. However, not all aspects of Joan's life were celebrated with dignity. The opera "La Pucelle d'Orleans" depicted a disturbing examination where she was scrutinized to prove her virginity. An engraving from this second canto serves as a reminder that even heroes can face dehumanizing trials. Despite these challenges, artists continued to depict Joan as an inspiration. In an enchanting illustration called "H: Heroine, " created in 1890, she is shown radiating courage amidst adversity – a true embodiment of heroism. Joan's journey also included moments filled with hope and triumph. One such occasion was her entry into Orleans captured through a digital reproduction based on an original 19th-century artwork. The image transports us back to witness the joyous reception she received upon liberating the city. Yet tragedy loomed over our heroine; we are reminded once again through engravings depicting both her martyrdom at Rouen and subsequent scenes commemorating this harrowing event.