Adolphe Mony (1831-1909): Bust Of Joan Of Arc In Armor In Carrara Marble, Circa 1900.

Adolphe MONY (1831-1909): Bust of Joan of Arc in armor with coat of arms in Carrara marble. Signed and dated, 1904. Joan of Arc: a heroine in French history

Joan of Arc, also called the "Maid of Orléans", is an emblematic figure in French history. Born around 1412 in Domrémy, a small village in Lorraine, she grew up in a family of pious peasants, during a period troubled by the Hundred Years' War between France and England. Visions and divine mission At the age of 13, Joan claimed to have received visions of saints (Saint Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret), ordering her to liberate France from English occupation and to lead the dauphin Charles, heir to the throne, to the coronation in Reims. Convinced that her mission comes from God, she decides to act despite her young age and her status as a simple peasant.

Her role in the Hundred Years' War
In 1429, Joan manages to meet the dauphin Charles in Chinon after convincing the local authorities of her divine mission. She promises him that she can turn the military situation around. Despite doubts, Charles agrees to give her a small army. Joan, dressed in armor and brandishing a white standard decorated with the words "Jesus-Maria", leads her troops to victory. Her first major success is the lifting of the siege of Orléans in May 1429. This victory gives hope to the French and marks a turning point in the war. Shortly after, Joan plays a key role in a series of victories that allow Charles to be crowned king at Reims in July 1429, becoming Charles VII. Capture and Trial Despite her successes, Joan was captured in May 1430 by the Burgundians, allies of the English, during the defense of Compiègne. She was then sold to the English, who tried her for heresy and witchcraft. Her trial, which took place in Rouen in 1431, was marked by unjust accusations and political manipulation. On May 30, 1431, at only 19 years old, Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and burned alive at the stake. Until the end, she affirmed that she was faithful to her divine mission. Rehabilitation and posterity Twenty-five years after her death, a second trial ordered by Pope Callistus III rehabilitated her and declared her innocent. In 1920, Joan of Arc was canonized by the Catholic Church and became a saint. Today, Joan of Arc is a symbol of courage, faith, and patriotism. She also embodies the fight against injustice and remains one of the most revered figures in French history.