Joan of Arc Annie Louisa Swynnerton (1844-1933)

The composition presents a figure clad in full armor, positioned centrally against a backdrop of turbulent sky and a prominent rainbow arc. The subjects eyes are closed, her head tilted slightly upward, conveying a sense of profound spiritual surrender or perhaps resignation. Her long, flowing hair, rendered in shades of auburn and gold, cascades around her shoulders, softening the harshness of the metallic armor.
The artist has employed a muted palette dominated by blues, greens, and reds, creating an atmosphere of melancholy and solemnity. The light source appears to emanate from above, illuminating the face and upper torso while leaving the lower portion in shadow. This contrast directs attention towards the figure’s countenance and the sword held before her.
The sword itself is a significant element; it rests upon what seems to be a simple altar or table, and the subjects hands are clasped around its hilt. The placement of the sword suggests not aggression or battle readiness, but rather a symbolic relinquishment of power or duty. It could represent an acceptance of fate, a laying down of arms in the face of impending doom.
The rainbow arching across the sky introduces a complex layer of meaning. While often associated with hope and divine promise, here it appears distant and ethereal, almost unattainable. Its presence might suggest a sense of longing for redemption or transcendence, yet its remoteness underscores the figure’s isolation and suffering.
The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and spiritual intensity. The artist has not depicted a triumphant warrior but rather a woman facing an unknown destiny with a mixture of acceptance and sorrow. Theres a palpable tension between the protective armor – a symbol of strength and defense – and the vulnerability expressed in her closed eyes and bowed head, hinting at a deeper psychological struggle.