Jeanne d'Arc wordt door soldaten gevangen en meegevoerd 1851

Adolphe Alexandre Dillens created this print depicting 'Jeanne d'Arc wordt door soldaten gevangen en meegevoerd', or Joan of Arc captured by soldiers, in the 19th century. The image encapsulates a pivotal moment in Joan's story, her capture. Dillens uses visual codes that evoke a sense of drama and vulnerability. Consider the historical context: 19th-century Europe saw a rise in nationalism and romanticism. Joan of Arc, a symbol of French national pride and religious devotion, became a popular subject in art and literature. Dillens' choice to depict Joan's capture, rather than her triumphs, may reflect the socio-political climate of his time. Was he commenting on the fragility of national heroes or perhaps critiquing the cost of war? As art historians, we delve into such questions. We explore historical texts, political treatises, and cultural ephemera to understand the intricate relationships between art and society. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.