In this artwork, how is the History discussed?
The statue was added to Coe Circle in 1925. It was one of four statues given by Henry Waldo Coe to the City of Portland. It was made from the original molds of Frémiet's statue, which Coe saw on a visit to France. Portland's statue arrived from France in 1924 and was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1925, honoring the Doughboys of World War I. Dr. Coe chose to gift a statue of Joan of Arc because she was the patron saint of the Doughboys while they fought in Europe during World War I. It is reported that the Doughboys would sing Joan of Arc, They Are Calling You as they marched into battle. Dr. Coe is quoted as saying the singing of this song, “...had much to do in reviving the drooping spirits of the French and bringing victory out of defeat” and at the unveiling ceremony of the statue the Royal Rosarian quartet sang that song.Over the years the gold leaf that brilliantly adorned the statue slowly deteriorated until there was no trace of its luster and the artwork was surveyed by the Smithsonian Institution's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program in 1993.  In 2002, through the fundraising efforts and after receiving a grant for $24,000, the city of Portland was able to have the statue restored to its former glory. The pennant flag held in Joan’s right hand and the laurel wreath on her head were replaced and the gold leaf was restored.
World War I Henry Waldo Coe Memorial Day Smithsonian Institution Joan of Arc Save Outdoor Sculpture! Royal Rosarian Doughboy Joan of Arc, They Are Calling You