Walsh Library Gallery
presents

Joan of Arc in the Modern Imagination

November 3 – December 16, 2005

(Click Opening | Press Release | Exhibits | Acknowledgements)

Introduction

Joan of Arc is one of the most celebrated female historical figures in modern times. A symbol of courage, patriotism, faith, and female heroism, her appeal has transcended both geographic boundaries and time limitations. In the fifteenth century, this young girl in rural France followed her calling by leading the army of the crown prince to defeat the English, thereby putting Charles VII on the throne. Later, captured and tried, Joan was burned alive at the stake when she was only nineteen years old. Yet, in spite of her heroism, she remained relatively unnoticed, until the nineteenth century, when Joan became the subject of an enormous body of historical studies and literary works. She also became an icon in the visual arts, theater, cinema, and pop culture; a symbol for numerous political movements; and an inspiration to children, women and soldiers.

Joan of Arc in the Modern Imagination focuses on some of the abundant and diverse representations of this universal heroine and saint from the nineteenth century to our present day. The exhibition, comprising five sections, covers the story of Joan’s life, her iconography, her representation in literature, theater and film, her occurrence in pop culture, and finally her legacy. Exhibition items are drawn from Seton Hall University, and from the collection of Bryn Mawr College, supplemented with loans from other holdings, including those of The American Numismatic Society, Columbia University, Dahesh Museum of Art, New York Historical Society, Posteritati Movie Posters, Newark Public Library, and from the private collections of Dr. Daniel Leab, the Reverend Walter DeBold, and David and Constance Yates.
 

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