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Oil, Jan 2012, 60x40cm (24''x16'')

Joan, la Pucelle, French national heroine, born 600 years ago- probably to the month, although her exact date of birth is unknown. A valiant maiden, hearer of voices, inspirer and leader of victorious armies. She turned the tide against the English in the 100 years war, and transformed the dynastic struggle that marred her land into a war of national liberation. She raised the siege of Orleans, captured various fortresses and bridges, and facilitated the recovery of Rheims, enabling the coronation of her prince, the Dauphin Charles, in its cathedral.
After her capture in 1430 by Burgundians, then allies of the English, she was sold-out and subjected to a travesty of a heresy trial (which, however, serves as a record of her boldness and astute mind as well as apparently sincere belief in her voices and their divine origin). Ultimately Convicted of nothing more heretical than wearing male clothing, she was burnt at the stake aged only 19.