Rais Collection

Gilles De Rais
GILLES DE RAIS Marshal of France, and alleged magician

Gilles de Rais(1404-1440) is accused of evoking the Devil by sacrificing small children, for this and other wickedness he is condemned to death. Date: circa 1440

Gilles de Rais (Retz ou Rays) (1404-1440), companion of arms of Joan of Arc. 19th century engraving
XEE4406356 Gilles de Rais (Retz ou Rays) (1404-1440), companion of arms of Joan of Arc. 19th century engraving. by Unknown Artist

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Rais; Spoke; Radspeiche (engraving)
7197319 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Rais; Spoke; Radspeiche (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Rais; Spoke; Radspeiche)

Gilles de Rais (Retz ou Rays) (1404-1440), companion of arms of Joan of Arc
XEE4415310 Gilles de Rais (Retz ou Rays) (1404-1440), companion of arms of Joan of Arc. 19th century engraving. by Unknown Artist

Gilles de Laval, Lord of Rais (1404-1440) - Portrait of Gilles de Rais (Retz ou Rays
XEE4150855 Gilles de Laval, Lord of Rais (1404-1440) - Portrait of Gilles de Rais (Retz ou Rays) (1404-1440), companion in arms of Joan of Arc - Engraving from 1863 in " The Red Book - Histoire

Gilles de Rais (Retz ou Rays) (1404-1440), companion of arms by Joan of Arc
GIA4738166 Gilles de Rais (Retz ou Rays) (1404-1440), companion of arms by Joan of Arc. 19th century engraving " La france historique" by Unknown Artist

India. British colonial era. Banquet at the palace of Rais in Mynere. Engraving by Hildibrand. Colored. The Illustrated World, 1882

FRENCH NOBLEMEN. 15th century French noblemen. Top, left to right: Le Comte de Vendome Monjoye; Gilles de Laval; Philippe Duc de Bourgogne Monjoye Saint-Denis

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Gilles de Rais: A Dark Tale of Nobility and Infamy In the annals of history, few figures have left a mark as enigmatic and controversial as Gilles de Rais. Born in 1404, this French nobleman was not only known for his military prowess but also for his descent into darkness. As a companion of arms to Joan of Arc, Gilles de Rais fought valiantly alongside the legendary heroine. However, behind the facade of chivalry lay a sinister secret that would forever tarnish his name. Accused of murder and heresy, Gilles de Rais faced a trial that would seal his fate. The 15th-century miniature captures the moment when justice prevailed, depicting his execution with chilling detail. He became synonymous with "The executioner, gibet and butcher. " But it wasn't just these heinous crimes that stained Gilles de Rais' legacy; he even orchestrated the demise of his own wife. An engraving from "The history of prostitution and debauche among all peoples" portrays this macabre act committed by a man once hailed as a hero. Yet amidst these dark chapters lies another side to Gilles de Rais - one intertwined with nobility and valor. As an esteemed marshal of France and companion to Joan of Arc, he played an integral role in shaping history's tapestry. Le Vocabulaire Illustre showcases another facet - highlighting "Rais, " or spoke in English - perhaps symbolizing how Gilles de Rais spun both tales of bravery and infamy throughout his life. A portrait immortalizes him in all his complexity - Lord Gilles de Laval or Giles De Rays (Retz ou Rays) gazes back at us through time's veil. His visage reflects both pride and remorse for past deeds that forever haunt him. Even during India's British colonial era, echoes of Gilles de Rais reverberated within opulent banquets at the palace of Rais.