Do you recognize this statue? It’s Joan of Arc, one of the French historical heroins (check her story here, if you’re interested). We have many statues of her in Paris but the most famous one is the one by Emmanuel Frémiet, place des Pyramides. Really?! Well, guess what, I’m currently travelling on the East coast of the US and I just found out that, the original of this statue (in this photo) is in Philadelphia and that we have… a revised version! What a scandal LOL!
I guess one of the biggest difficulties in making a statue is to bring out a woman's feminity...I couldn't tell that was Joan of Arc! Often, statues commemorating great women look very masculine. Either that or they are inantely 'strong' to begin with?
ReplyDeleteThe Strange Republic
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ohh what has happen?:) have they stolen the original?:)
ReplyDeleteI like the framing of this photo.
ReplyDeleteLittle typo, Eric. "Heroin" for "heroine." So this photo is really in Philadelphia? Hmm.
ReplyDeleteHow has Joan traveled to Philadelphia? Whatever the reaso, her spirit lives on.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Quelle horreur! -giggles-
ReplyDeleteMari-Nanci
US
Freedom, revolution, political upstarts. America and France are linked with these concepts in relation to Jeanne d'Arc. Philadelphia and was a seat of the American Revolution, and America received extensive financial help from Louis XVI (one of his financial burdens that helped lead to another French revolution). I think it's quite fitting that Philadelphia has a tribute to Jeanne d'Arc. Now, where the original should be is an interesting question, but moot. I note that the Philly statue looks more dynamic, as if she's galloping into battle. In Place des Pyramides, Jeanne looks like she is celebrating victory. Cool photos, Eric. I love finding different castings and variations in different museums and squares in different cities.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in Philadelphia for 40 years and love this statue. It was just re-gilded a few years ago and does look beautiful. It's near our Art Museum and thousands see it every day. And, yes, there are a lot of ties to France here.
ReplyDeleteFunny you should mention Joan of Arc so soon after the rugby match post ;)
ReplyDeleteGood point, Jeff, by the way.
ReplyDeleteA fantastic photo of the brave Jeanne d'Arc. My very own personal hero and the first on my list of historical figures I would love to sit and chat with at Starbucks.
ReplyDeleteMy husband was born in the town next to Joan's home town of Dormremy (Coussey), which boasts an incredible basilique on a hilltop in her honor (Dormremy, of course, not Coussey). I highly recommend the restaurant attached to the basilique, run by the nuns.
I wear Joan's medallion on a chain every day, and whenever I am having a particularly tough day, I take that medallion between my thumb and forefinger and think how my day could be much, much worse. I mean, no one that I know of is planning on burning me at the stake, so how bad could it be, right?
And, remember, Suzy P, that hearing voices from God always is a good basis for action, and does indeed make for interesting conversation over coffee. Wait, I smell wood burning...
ReplyDeleteWell that's interesting! I always thought this was the real Joan of Arc!
ReplyDeleteThat Jeanne d'Arc..my kind of heroine!! J'adore Jeanne et Ingrid!
Suzy P, nice point. A reminder to be grateful under pressure.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the Photo of the Day.
Does anyone remember what the horse legs mean in a statue? One up, two up, or all four down?
It is an interesting story this statue of Jeanne as it went unnoticed by the French for a very long time. Also, local people sometimes think that it is gilded in real gold and try to scratch it off. Alas, no, t'is not. (yes, I lived in Philly for a little bit too...).
ReplyDeleteJoan of Arc trivia time: When poor, tragic Jean Seberg was portraying her for the 1957 movie, she actually was burned on the thigh during the burning scene, due to an accident. She had a limp for months after that but eventually recovered.
ReplyDeletewell, I didn't know that... I guess I won't be able to sleep tonight after such a shock... ;o)
ReplyDeleteHere is a better more comprehensive site to learn about Joan of Arc than wikipedia:
ReplyDeleteJoan of Arc - MaidofHeaven.com
Cheers!