Virtue, Oil Painting

by Howard Lyon
(Mesa, Arizona, USA)

Virtue

Virtue

I was intrigued by what would cause a young woman to follow divine prompting despite the cost of her actions.

The definition of virtue is: a trait or quality deemed to be morally excellent and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being.

Thus I found Joan to be a most virtuous young woman. She was founded by her principles and good moral being. She was true to her divine calling and trusted in the Lord to accomplish her mission.

Comments for Virtue, Oil Painting

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Virtue
by: Anonymous

I love your painting, not as of Joan of Arc, but of any woman man of virtue with the sword of the Spirit.

I'm confused about comment on a banner that put Mary's name along side Jesus', seeing that she is mortal and he God.. Why on earth would a banner proclaiming Mary, be of more importance than a sword that is spoken of as sword of the Spirit?
Great job
by: Mary

I like your portrayal of Joan of Arc.

I may have included the banner that she went into battle under which was Jesus and Mary...


"I asked my Lord's messengers what I should do. And they answered me, saying, Take up the banner of your Lord. And thereupon I had a banner made." In Her Own Words, p. 26

In 1429, Joan commissioned a painter and Scotsman named Hauves Poulnoir, aka Hamish Power, to design a large standard and a smaller pennon. Additionally, Joan had a third flag made with a scene of the crucifixion. Father Jean Pasquerel designed the third banner for the clergy in the town of Blois.

http://saint-joan-of-arc.com/banner.htm

Quoted below from above source:


"Joan's battle standard was made from a material called Buckram, similar to an artist's canvas with a silken fringe. It measured 3 feet high by 12 feet long.

"The field of it was sown with lilies, and therein was our Lord holding the world, with two angels, one on either hand. It was white, and on it there were written the names Jesus, Maria, and it was fringed with silk." In Her Own Words, p. 26

The purpose of the standard was to indicate a clear location to which her army could rally when dispersed in the confusion of battle. On several occasions when her troops were losing ground, Saint Joan of Arc is reported to have ridden into the midst of battle, using her standard to mark her position on the field, and rally her men on to victory.

"I loved my banner forty times better than my sword. And when I went against my enemy, I carried my banner myself, lest I kill any. I have never killed a man." In Her Own Words, p. 26


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