Saint Joan · Chapter
Joan's Good Looks explained
This chapter examines Joan of Arc's physical appearance, arguing that she was not conventionally beautiful but rather had a striking, neutral face that inspired both respect and fear.
What happens
This chapter examines Joan of Arc's physical appearance, arguing that she was not conventionally beautiful but rather had a striking, neutral face that inspired both respect and fear. It highlights that her comrades never described her as pretty, and that her heroic mission transcended romantic pursuits, comparing her to figures like George Washington. The chapter also discusses a possible sculptural portrait of Joan in Orleans, which features a unique, unidealized face that raises compelling questions about her identity.
Themes in this chapter
Gender and Power
Explores how Joan's lack of conventional feminine beauty and her commanding presence made her sexually neutral to men, allowing her to operate outside traditional gender roles and pursue her heroic mission.
Historical Interpretation
Discusses the challenge of interpreting Joan's appearance through historical records and art, questioning the authenticity of a potential sculptural portrait and the romanticization of her looks.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Discussed in terms of her physical appearance, described as unattractive sexually to men, neutral in sex conflict, and not sexless despite her virginity; also noted as defendant in a breach of promise suit.
- George Washington
Mentioned as a comparison to Joan, illustrating that love was not her whole existence, similar to other masculine workers on the heroic scale.
Key passages
“Not one of Joan’s comrades, in village, court, or camp, even when they were straining themselves to please the king by praising her, ever claimed that she was pretty.”
None of Joan's associates, whether from her hometown, the royal court, or the military, ever described her as attractive, even when trying to flatter the king.
Highlights the historical consensus on Joan's lack of conventional beauty.
“The evident truth is that like most women of her hardy managing type she seemed neutral in the conflict of sex because men were too much afraid of her to fall in love with her.”
The clear reality is that, similar to other strong and capable women, Joan appeared sexually neutral because men were too intimidated by her to develop romantic feelings.
Explains the reason behind Joan's perceived sexual neutrality.
“Had she lived in our time, picture postcards might have been sold of her as a general: they would not have been sold of her as a sultana.”
If Joan were alive today, her image would likely be marketed as a military leader, not as a seductive or exotic beauty.
Contrasts modern hypothetical portrayals with romanticized ones.