Meet Joan. I've known her since I was a little girl. This Italian bust of marble and alabaster used to sit on a table in my Grandmother's foyer in California. Before that, she came from my Great Great Grandmother's house in Chicago.
Growing up, I didn't know her as the tragic and heroic figure Joan of Arc. She was just the pretty lady that greeted us in my Grandmother's entry.
For now, she's on our bedroom dresser. Eventually, I would like to relocate her to the living room downstairs, but will need to find a table strong enough to support her.
Hubby wasn't all that crazy about Joan when she first came to live with us. She reminds him of his parochial school days.
But I think she's growing on him.
She's exquisite - and beautifully carved...she looks so fair and pure.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the reflection of her scarf in the mirror.
You have the most impeccable taste and I just love to see glimpses of all the beautiful things that you treasure about your home.
Have a wonderful day!
Sarah
Trina...she's beautiful! I'm shocked at how life-like she is. The marble has such a pretty coral color to it, so unique. Your photos honor her lineage and beauty perfectly!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special heirloom.
xoxo
oh thats beautiful!! i love how you have her positioned to face the window!
ReplyDeleteHow can anyone NOT love her! Such a pleasant face. LOVE IT
ReplyDeleteI love the expression on her face...I feel she is looking up to God with adoration.
ReplyDeleteShe is STUNNING. what a face!
ReplyDeletexoxo Pattie
I can't wait to show my 9 year old daughter this! She recently did a school project on Joan of Arc and just adores her for her courage and bravery!
ReplyDeleteHow could those soulful eyes NOT grow on him?
ReplyDeleteHi Trina,
ReplyDeleteShe's beautiful!
Larry and my boys never liked the portrait of my grandmother either. They said she gave them the creeps. Like the portaits at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion!
Have a great weekend.
~janet
She is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteI think what makes this piece even more lovely is the fact that it has been handed down a couple of generations. It must have a lot of meaning for you which makes it very special. I love it and would show it proudly in your main living area!
ReplyDeletexojamilyn
I think she is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteShe is indeed beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI discovered your blog through Eddie Ross. Your postings are beautiful. My great-grandparents had a farm in western Washington - outside of Quincy. Although I was only there once - 45 some odd yrs ago - I have always had a soft spot for old farmhouses.
Wendy
Love it....gentle beauty. lylah xoxo
ReplyDeleteShe's so beautiful + she's got so much family history. What a wonderful combination! Leigh
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. What a special piece!
ReplyDeleteShe is so very beautiful. Such sweet memories your treasures holds, which makes it even more lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love her. She is very beautiful. Carla
ReplyDeleteThat is a really lovely piece... and for it to have been handed down makes it so special for you!
ReplyDeleteAren't family heirlooms the most precious? She is beautiful, and I especially love the story of Joan of Arc.
ReplyDeleteOh trina, she's gorgeous!! Love having things around hte house that are handed down. I still use my great uncles old transistor radio {my boys think it is embarrassingly low tech!!} iu love it, reminds me of him.
ReplyDeletejulesxx
wow, you must be your grandma's favourite, trina. that is a lovely antique piece, wonder how much they weigh. you can tell it is the real thing and solid...have a great weekend. verbena cottage
ReplyDeleteIm a catholic school teacher and converted to catholism about 5 years ago. I think she is beautiful and very peaceful. You are very lucky to have her come and live with you.
ReplyDeleteA sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm. What a lovely reminder of your Grandmother and Great Grandmother! Ciao, bella!
ReplyDeleteThe eyes have it, I love the bust. I would put her in the living room also, she is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBetsy
I love that Jeanne D'Arc was part of your dowry Trina - tell your Dear Hubby it could have been something as 'delightful' as a stuffed moose head or similar. And then he'd really have something to complain about!!
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
Your husband's parochial school days probably helped him be the good man he is today. At least, let us hope so; there is no moral discipline being taught anywhere in schools now.
ReplyDeleteJoan is a lovely reminder of a simple soul who loved her country. And I am English!
Hi, Trina,
ReplyDeleteLovely she is.
If you should every have an opportunity
to travel to Portland, OR pleas drive to
the Laurelhurst area and see the Joan of D'Arc
circle with an amazing statue of Joan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurelhurst,_Portland,_Oregon
http://www.portlandground.com/archives/2006/12/joan_of_arc_in_coe_circle_1.php
It is located at 39th and Glisan St.
All Saint Church & School is across from the circle. Beautiful homes also surround the circle. Joan is mounted on a life size horse. Just fabulous, It is gilded gold.
Kindly,
Christie
She's awesome! Glad she is growing on your hubby!!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up we had this same statue of Joan in my church! I couldn't believe it when i saw your picture. The church was eventually sold and I wish I knew what happened to her. She's my patron saint. Anyway I just found your blog and I'm obsessed. Congrats on the twins!
ReplyDelete