Joan of Arc Extensive Archive of 115 Images Documenting the Legendary Female Battlefield Commander and National Hero, 1890–1920

Joan of Arc

Archive

[Women History][Women in Military] [Joan of Arc] Archive of 115 French postcards, ca. 1890–1930, documents the visual construction of Joan of Arc as armored military leader and nationalist symbol during the decades surrounding the Franco-Prussian War, the Third Republic, and the First World War. , documenting the military image and legend of Joan of Arc as a battlefield leader and national hero during the late nineteenth and turn of the centuries. Assembled during the decades surrounding the Franco-Prussian War, the Third Republic, and the First World War, the archive reflects a sustained cultural fascination with Joan as a martial figure: a young woman in armor who commanded troops, carried a banner into combat, and altered the course of the Hundred Years’ War. Housed in a contemporary vinyl album, the images collectively emphasize Joan’s role as a saint and soldier-leader whose presence on the battlefield challenged medieval gender norms and later served as a powerful nationalist symbol during periods of military crisis in France.

Arc, de Joan. Extensive Archive of 115 early images on postcards ca. 1890–1930. This large archive comprises 115 French postcards with both real photo postcards and illustrated postcard, most measuring approximately 3.5 × 5.5 inches. Many of the images show Joan as a military leader in full armor often depicted at the head of troops or in moments of command. Numerous cards reproduce statues and monuments present Joan as a warrior, often on horseback with a sword drawn or banner raised, visually aligning her with traditions of heroic military leadership. Studio portraits of actresses portraying Joan for public commemorations and fêtes nationales deliberately emphasize her strength and piety. Postcards also show illustrated scenes of key military episodes, her arrival at Orléans, leadership during the lifting of the siege, and participation in the Loire campaign, underscore the extraordinary feat this young woman accomplished leading armed men in combat. The archive also gives substantial attention to Joan’s capture, trial, and execution. Her conviction and ultimate execution are implicitly linked to her refusal to relinquish military dress and identity, underscoring how her role as a woman soldier stood at the center of both her authority and her condemnation. Only a handful of these postcards highlight Joan of Arc's role as a saint, though she is seen in several with a halo around her head. Circulated during an era when France was renegotiating ideas of citizenship, sacrifice, and national defense, these postcards show the patron saint of France as a military heroine whose leadership, discipline, and courage transcended gender expectations.

Many bear manuscript French messages, addresses, and legible postmarks en verso. This unusually large and cohesive archive offers rich primary-source documentation of how Joan of Arc’s military achievements, armor, and gender-defying leadership were visually constructed and disseminated. Overall very good condition, with minor edge wear or corner softening consistent with age and use; a small number show light soiling or modest creasing.

Item #22986

Price: $4,800.00