Joan of Arc interrogated by the Cardinal of Winchester
Paul Delaroche, 1824

Oil on Canvas, 17 1/2 by 14 3/8. 1824.
Click on the painting for a larger image.

Hippolyte Delaroche, (also known by Paul), was a French painter in the 1800s who specialized in Romantic subjects. Among his other works are The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, The Death of Queen Elizebeth, and the famous Apotheosis of Art, in which he was aided by one of his pupils.

Romanticism can be seen clearly in Joan of Arc interrogated by the Cardinal of Winchester. Note, if you know anything about Joan's trial, that a meeting between the two never took place. This situtation was probably contrived by Delaroche to highlight the anti-English apsect of the story. The whole painting is one of heavy contrasts. The Cardinal's hand resting on his knee has been interpreted as pointing to hell, while, little Joan, sick, holds her shackled hands in prayer. The Cardinal is portrayed in harsh lighting, and he is heavily angular. Joan is in somewhat gentler lighting, with softer features.The scribe to the left implicates the historical importance of the scene.