Was Joan of Arc Black: Debunking the Myth

Despite popular belief, Joan of Arc was not black. Misconceptions and misinformation about her heritage often stem from misunderstandings of historical language and contemporary translations. This article aims to clarify the historical context and provide accurate information to debunk the myth surrounding Joan of Arc's racial identity.

Historical Context and Evidence

The most compelling evidence that Joan of Arc was not black comes from surviving portraits and contemporary descriptions. One of the most notable examples is a portrait of Claude [i.e., Claudia] des Armoises, a woman who closely resembled Joan. This portrait is often cited in historical records as being a convincing representation of Joan of Arc. Since Claude des Armoises was confirmed to be white, it logically follows that Joan of Arc, who resembled her, was also white.

Some respondents mistakenly support the idea that Joan of Arc was black by misinterpreting the term “swarthy.” This term, used in the context of the time, did not mean “black.” Instead, it referred to an “olive” complexion, which is typical in many European countries, aside from those in the far north. It was also used to describe the tanned skin of peasants who worked long hours in the fields. People in England, for instance, often used the term to contrast their fair skin with the olive tones prevalent in parts of France, Spain, Italy, and among nobles to describe peasants.

The Proto-Debate on Joan of Arc’s Racial Identity

The notion that almost all Europeans were black as late as the 18th and 19th centuries is baseless and raises questions about how the human race could have changed so drastically in such a short time. Historical evidence, such as thousands of portraits and records, overwhelmingly indicate that Europeans were typically white throughout the last several millennia.

Furthermore, the idea that Joan of Arc was black is not merely a historical curiosity but also a textbook example of the modern anti-whitewashing trend. Some argue that confirming Joan of Arc’s identity as French and white helps maintain a nuanced understanding of her role and portrayal. On the other hand, those who argue she should be portrayed as black are driven by the goal of promoting diversity and inclusion in historical narratives, which can sometimes lead to misinformation and misunderstanding.

A Closer Look at the Term “Swarthy”

The term “swarthy” as used in historical records does not equate to “black.” Often, it was used to describe the more olive or tanned complexion of people, particularly those who spent a significant amount of time in the sun. For instance, peasants and farmers in medieval and early modern Europe would often exhibit a distinct tan from working the fields outdoors. This was in stark contrast to the fairer skin of nobles and urban dwellers who spent less time directly exposed to the sun.

It is important to recognize that descriptions like “swarthy” provided context within the societal norms of the time and did not indicate a deep pigmentation or African ancestry. In the context of medieval France, a person described as having a “swarthy complexion” was likely someone with a lighter to medium olive skin tone, similar to the majority of the French population at that time.

Supporting Evidence from Historical Portraits

Historians and art experts have extensively studied the surviving portraits of Joan of Arc. The most notable representation, which closely resembles Claude des Armoises, clearly shows a fair to medium olive skin tone. This provides a visual confirmation that Joan of Arc did not have the deep skin pigmentation associated with African ancestry.

Conclusion: While Joan of Arc's legacy is a significant part of both French and European history, her racial identity should be understood in the context of the time in which she lived. Modern misconceptions about her race arise from a misunderstanding of historical language and contemporary translations. By examining the evidence and historical context, it becomes clear that Joan of Arc was a fair to medium olive-skinned French peasant, not black or of African descent.

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