Statue of Joan of Arc by Paul Dubois

Joan of Arc (1412 – 5/30/1431) known as "the Maid of Orleans", was a 15th century virgin saint and French heroine. She led the French army to several notable victories and led king Charles VII to his coronation. Captured by the English and tried by an ecclesiastical court led by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, an English partisan; she was convicted of heresy and burned at the stake by the English at 19 years old. Twenty-four years later the Vatican reviewed the decision of the court and found her innocent, declared her a martyr and so she was beatified in 1909 and canonized as a saint in 1920.

Considered a masterpiece, in the early 20th century, the bronze statue was sculpted by Paul Dubois's in 1922. It is located above the fountain in Meridian Hill Park.

The statue definitely elicits strength from a higher power. Joan of Arc is quite attractive and sits high in the saddle. The horse looks aware, able and prepared to break into a enduring gallop.