Jeanne d'Arc versus Marianne, quelle différence?

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Jeanne d'Arc versus Marianne, quelle différence?

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Translation:

Question from one of my students: What is the symbol of France: Joan of Arc or Marianne?

Joan of Arc:

Born in 1412 in Domrémy in Lorraine, France, she is an iconic figure of the Hundred Years' War (a war between France and England that began in 1337).

Why is she an iconic figure?

After having divine visions (remember, this is the Middle Ages, in a deeply pious France), she convinces King Charles VII, takes up arms against the English, and attacks the siege of Orléans. The city is key for crossing the Loire; once fallen, it would be easy to conquer the rest of the country.

Joan of Arc leads the French troops to victory and helps turn the tide of the war in favor of the French. She is captured by the English, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431 in Rouen.

Marianne

She is not a historical person. She is a symbol. During the Revolution, the revolutionaries thought that the concept of "Republic" was too theoretical, hence the personification of the Republic.

Why a woman? At the time of the Revolution, antiquity is in fashion in France. And in antiquity, liberty is symbolized by a woman. A woman who wears a Phrygian cap, like that worn by slaves freed from their masters. When the Revolution breaks out in 1789, the symbol naturally imposes itself. Marianne is France, liberated from the slavery of the monarchy. Marianne is liberty.

Why the name Marianne? Actually, we are not sure. The most serious hypothesis is that the names Marie and Anne were very common in France at the time, particularly in the countryside and among the servants of the nobles and bourgeoisie. The name Marie-Anne would thus have been chosen to pay tribute to the French people and to symbolize the change of regime.

Joan of Arc

is a significant figure in French history. Thus she becomes the symbol of national resistance. She is revered for her heroic role in medieval France, bearing the standard of the Christian faith and defending her homeland.

Marianne

A symbol of the Republic, embodies the secular values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, representing national unity and democracy.

Ultimately, these two figures well represent France at different times. Everyone can identify with one model or both!