Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII—completed in Paris, France in 1854, is a painting by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres that portrays Joan of Arc at the coronation ceremony of Charles VII in Reims Cathedral. The composition features Joan standing in full armor, holding her banner, beside the kneeling king amidst the grandeur of the cathedral interior. Ingres captures the solemn moment of national unity and Divinity of kings and sanction for the Monarchy, emphasizing Joan's pivotal role in the event. The painting, characterized by precise lines and attention to historical detail, is recognized for its depiction of Heroism and Patriotism. The piece is on display at the The Louvre in Paris.
Genealogy
Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII occupies a distinctive position in the visual narrative of 19th-century France, closely linked to the resurgence of national identity during a period of political transformation. Its title evokes the pivotal moment when Joan of Arc ensured the coronation of Charles VII at Reims Cathedral, cementing his legitimacy as the French monarch. Figures such as Joan herself and Charles VII are central to its context, and the painting draws upon medieval iconography and religious Symbolism , reflecting themes of divine mission and national salvation. The intellectual milieu of the time, influenced by Romanticism and a renewed interest in French history, is evident in its portrayal of Joan as both a patriotic heroine and a spiritual figure. Literary works like Friedrich Schiller's The Maid of Orleans and Jules Michelet’s History of France contribute to the discourse surrounding her legacy, revealing the ideological currents that shaped its reception. Over time, the painting has been appropriated for various nationalistic purposes, shifting from a celebration of historical unity to a symbol invoked in political rhetoric. Its relationship with other artistic depictions of Joan of Arc, such as those by Jules Bastien-Lepage, illustrates how her image has been continually reinterpreted to reflect contemporary values. The underlying structure of Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII lies in its exploration of heroism and divine destiny, a dynamic that engages with broader themes of nationalism, legitimacy, and the role of individuals in shaping historical narratives.
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