Jeanne d'Arc (second plate) 1909

Timothy Cole created this engraving of Joan of Arc. Observe Joan’s figure, adorned in armor and bearing a flag, symbols of purity, leadership, and divine inspiration. Her stance and the flag echo the classical motif of the triumphant hero, seen in ancient Roman standards. Yet, here, these symbols are imbued with a unique blend of religious fervor and nationalistic zeal. The halo above Joan’s head marks her as a saint, yet her grounded feet and steel armor root her in the earthly. Consider the shifting iconography of flags and armor across history. Once emblems of military might, here they represent a complex interplay between faith, gender, and power. This image taps into our collective memory of sacrifice and heroism, engaging our subconscious understanding of archetypal roles. It reminds us that symbols do not have fixed meanings; they shift and evolve, carrying cultural memory forward.