Maude Adams (1872–1953) as Joan of Arc

In this striking portrait, actress Maude Adams embodies Joan of Arc, her gaze directed upwards with a mix of defiance and spiritual resolve. The oil on canvas, created in 1909, captures Adams in a theatrical pose, her hands clasped, surrounded by a halo-like glow and stylized cherry blossoms. This work blends the dramatic flair of the stage with the decorative elegance of the Art Nouveau movement, which Alphonse Mucha helped define. The composition emphasizes Joan's purity and divine connection, presenting her not just as a historical figure, but as a symbol of faith and strength. The painting serves as a powerful historiated portrait, elevating the actress to the status of the legendary saint she portrays.