How do Jeanne d’Arc & Our Rock Opera connect?
A special Behind-the-Page feature one my first page in the BOX OF TAPES graphic novel.
Without spoiling the story let me set up my mission. A single full page image introducing The Kid’s mom in a sort of ecstatic vision. In creating that image I knew I wanted to underlay my work with imagery that would underscore some of the themes I wanted to visually embed into the story-telling. Those hidden visual themes would either would complement or contrast the music.
Working on a Rock Opera afforded me plenty of opportunities to explore a wide range of psychedelic art for illustrating this moment. But I went more classical instead. I opted for a sort of stained-glass vision. Stained glass has an epic history for conveying divine inspiration; perfect for the level of revelation and reverence our boy has for his mother at this point in our story. Both of which (and more) would be tested and complexified as the story progresses.
Read On to explore the initial references and the culmination as depicted on the finished page below.
Jeanne D’Arc; Joan of Arc (c. 1412 – 30 May 1431) is a patron saint of France, honored as a defender of the French nation for her role in the siege of Orléans. In 1428, she requested to be taken to Charles VII, later testifying that she was guided by visions from the archangel Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine to help him save France from English domination. Convinced of her devotion and purity, Charles sent Joan, who was about seventeen years old, to the siege of Orléans as part of a relief army. She arrived at the city in April 1429, wielding her banner and bringing hope to the demoralized French army. Nine days after her arrival, the English abandoned the siege.
Her depiction here is from a stained glass window which resides in Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, in full Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre(French for Church of Saint Julian the Poor). It is a Melkite Greek Catholic parish church in Paris, France, and one of the city’s oldest religious buildings. Begun in Romanesque style during the 12th century, most of its architecture is Primary Gothic. It is situated in the 5th arrondissement, on the Left Bank of the Seine River, about 500 meters away from the Musée de Cluny and in the proximity of the Maubert-Mutualité Paris Métro station. It shares a city block with the Square René Viviani.‘;
In the Catholic Church the patronage of the Immaculate Conception is frequently invoked. Catholic authorities with the expressed and written approval of the Pope in countries including the United States, Brazil, Korea, the Philippines and Spain designate the Blessed Virgin Mary as their principal patroness.
As part of the patronage, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is often observed both religiously and culturally within these countries. Numerous national parades, processions and cultural festivities are associated with this patronage ranging from public holidays to holy day of obligation.
The piece depicted above was painted by Juan Antonio de Frías y Escalante (1633 in Cordoba–1669 in Madrid) the Spanish Baroque Golden Age painter.
He was born in Córdoba, studied under Francisco Ricci in Madrid, and developed a career in the Spanish Court despite his early death. He was an admirer of Venetian paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese. His last paintings were done in the rococo style, but he is most wellknown for his religious paintings, including numerous pieces depicting the Immaculate Conception.
So here we have our main character The Teen having a vision of his lost mother. Reviewed both as Devine and a martyr to a cause not fully understood. With a song titled Triangle writhing the opera -the graphic motif Xarry through much of the artwork as well.
But this is just the most simple example of the intention and referencing which I brought to every page of this project. I hope that comes through as you experience BOX OF TAPES A Rick Opera.
