The second image from this story shows when she was burned as a heretic for 'wearing men's clothing'. In fact, she was only wearing military armor, as commanded by God, in order to fulfill her mission to relieve the French of 100 years of occupation and oppression by the British. She was horribly betrayed by the king who she fought to crown and restored to power. In reality, she was burned because a corrupt bishop who sought an archbishopric and British conspirators felt threatened by the power she had over the people and her military victories. While she was being burned, she was desperate for a sight of the cross, which a monk graciously held up for her. She passed away moments later.

Joan of Arc is one of my very favorite people in history. Her life is one of the world's most well documented and just about everything she did, said, ate, and wore has been recorded. At the age of 17, she led the French Military and seasoned battle veterans (included the horribly disgusting serial killer Bluebeard) to win major battles and end the 100 years war and occupation of France by the British. Her life is filled with miracles, trials and horrible betrayals. An amazing book to read on her life is by Mark Twain "The Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc", who considered it his best book. It is the only book that I feel does her story justice. 

So after playing around with an image I didn't like... I re-did it. In color. I like it much better.

While going through facebook today, someone shared some artwork that I just fell in love with. The headline was focused on the age of the artist. And it is true. It is remarkable that someone so young could have such vision, skill, and talent to create works that are so beautiful and magical. He is also an excellent subject. The vast majority of these'photos' are self-portraits., but they have such an emotional, and a real quality - while never neglecting that very real magic of perception. 
At any age, this work is remarkable. The fact that he is only 14, is astounding. He has a long bright future ahead. He goes by the name Fiddle Oak.  http://www.demilked.com/surreal-self-portraits-14-year-old-fiddle-oak/

Another artist's work I found on the same website was from this artist - whose simple self-portrait images are so masterful, bold, and iconic.  She is 22 years old.  Noell Oszvald. http://www.demilked.com/surreal-self-portraits-noell-oszvald/

Talent is talent - at any age.