Modernizing Joan of Arc: Conceptions, Costumes, and Canonization

Historical opinions regarding Joan of Arc are fraught with contradiction. As one of the most widely studied women in history, she has been labeled both a saint and a criminal, both a pioneering feminist and an ""unnatural"" transvestite. This work explores the attitudes that have followed Joan of Arc for centuries, beginning with the notions of gender and authority in the 15th century during Joan's criminal trials. The study continues through the era of her canonization in 1920, with an extensive analysis of the many post-canonization biographies that appeared shortly thereafter. A unique focus on the role of women's clothing and the feminine image prevails throughout the book, with special attention to the portrayals of Joan of Arc in paintings, theater productions, and films during the early 20th century.