1-156-577 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

'Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII in the Cathedral at Reims', 1429, (c1800-1867). St Joan, Maid of Orleans (c1412-1431) French patriot and martyr in full armour standing at the altar. Claiming divine inspiration, Joan of Arc persuaded Charles to declare himself King of France (at the time France was ruled by England under the terms of the Treaty of Troyes signed in 1420). Joan was captured by the English and executed and martyred in 1431, but Charles went on to regain all of France from the English, with the exception of Calais.