Joan of Arc 

Odilon Redon rendered this pastel drawing of Joan of Arc at an unknown date, and it now resides in the Musée d'Orsay. Observe Joan’s serene profile, framed by a blue head covering reminiscent of medieval depictions of the Virgin Mary. The figure of Joan is set against a fiery red background with a dark figure above her, perhaps symbolizing the divine or even a dragon-like figure, a motif often associated with temptation and trials. This juxtaposition, common since antiquity, captures the inner turmoil of faith and the external pressures Joan faced. Think of the dragons Saint George battled; symbols of overcoming trials and tribulations. Consider, too, the helmet: A visual echo of classical figures like Athena, and the embodiment of wisdom and strategic prowess. In this piece, the helmet connects Joan to a lineage of powerful, thoughtful figures, inviting us to consider the weight of destiny she carries. The cyclical nature of such powerful iconography echoes through time, constantly reshaping our understanding of heroism.