Heroinae Nobilissimae Ioannae Darc Lotharingae... 1612

This engraving of Joan of Arc was created in 1612 by Jean Hordal as an introduction to his account of her life. Hordal, a counselor to the Duke of Lorraine, presents Joan as both a noble heroine and a symbol of French national identity. The image layers Joan’s virginity and fortitude, and explicitly links them to political power. Two allegorical figures flank the central text. These representations of Fortitude and Virginity speak to how Joan's identity was constructed and controlled within historical and cultural narratives. The scene at the top depicts the lamentation of Christ, drawing parallels between Joan's martyrdom and religious suffering. This connection elevates her status, reinforcing the idea of female virtue, a dangerous virtue when mixed with political agency. The emblems at the bottom, symbols of French royalty, suggest Joan's story is deeply intertwined with the fate of the nation. The engraving is a reminder of how powerful individuals become cultural symbols, subject to interpretation and manipulation across time.