Different depictions of St. Joan of Arc with her 'voices'/'visions'
Saint Joan of Arc is one of the better known Christian Saints in popular culture. She's known for her role in the Siege of Orleans and the purported Divine Guidance that assisted her, which later won her the designation of the Patron Saint of France.
According to Joan, 3 voices continually counseled and protected her in her mission to save France from English Occupation. These were the Archangel Michael, Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Margaret. She also reported being visited by Saint Gabriel. In her own words:
"When I was thirteen, I had a voice from God to help me to govern myself. The first time, I was terrified. The voice came to me about noon: it was summer, and I was in my father’s garden….I saw it many times before I knew it was Saint Michael….He was not alone, but duly attended by heavenly angels….He told me Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret would come to me, and I must follow their counsel; that they were appointed to guide and counsel me in what I had to do, and that I must believe what they would tell me, for it was at our Lord’s command."
One of the more popular aspects of Joan's life to be depicted in artwork are imaginings of her reaction to these voices and visions. I find their choices in portraying her reaction interesting to compare and contrast. Some choose literal depictions of visions, others are more figurative, and her reactions range from humble piety to terrifying determination. I'm curious what others think! Do you have a favorite in the set, or is there another version that I didn't include that you like?