Jeanne d’Arc Medal

Paul Manship, Jeanne d'Arc Medal, 1915, bronze, 2 ³⁄₄ in. (7.0 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1965.16.76

Artwork Details

Title: Jeanne d’Arc Medal
Artist: Paul Manship
Date: 1915
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 2 ³⁄₄ in. (7.0 cm) diam.
Credit Line: Gift of the artist
Mediums: bronze
Mediums Description: bronze
Classifications: Sculpture
Medal
Subjects: State of being — death — burning at the stake
Object — weapon — sword
Object — other — wreath
Equestrian
Religion — angel
Religion — saint — St. Joan of Arc
Religion — martyr
Object Number: 1965.16.76
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1965.16.76

Artwork Description

Paul Manship’s Jeanne d’Arc medal was created to benefit the Italian War Relief Committee. The reverse depicts Joan of Arc being burned in 1431 for having challenged the authority of the Church. The “Maid of Orleans” was convicted of heresy for claiming that God spoke directly to her, commanding Joan to save France from the English invaders. As Joan suffers at the stake, a hand reaches from the clouds to lift her soul into heaven.