Set of heraldic emblem reliefs, carved, gilded and polychrome wood, 18th century - Spain
Spectacular set of four reliefs in which heraldic emblems are represented. In carved and gilded wood, all of them have a practically square shape, which frames a central circle in which the different emblems are found in relief on a smooth background, such as a spearhead and three fleurs-de-lis. The frame is decorated with scrolls and fleshy leaves.
It comes from an important Spanish private collection. It is likely that they occupied a prominent place in a chapel, identifying the family that owned the property in the case of the palace or held the patronage in the case of churches and chapels. They are decorative in themselves, perfect to hang on a wall forming a composition.
About heraldry
Heraldry is “the art of the coat of arms,” and blazon “the art of explaining and describing the coats of arms of each lineage, city or person, as well as each figure, sign or piece that is placed on a shield.” On the other hand, the art of describing a heraldic emblem, according to the specific and conventional methodology, is known as “blazoning”, since a blazon is, generally, a coat of arms.
Heraldry arises out of functional necessity, to identify oneself on the battlefield or in the tournament through signs painted on the war shield; but being a simple symbol is still not considered heraldry as such. It will definitely be heraldic when around 1140 those signs become hereditary: symbols of the family lineage of each knight. When it is already a family symbol, when it becomes hereditary, that is when we can talk about heraldry. Its use became widespread from the following century onwards. However, it is necessary to point out that heraldry is not about surnames, but about family, it is the symbol of a family. Not all nobles had to have a shield.
In short, heraldry emerged during the Middle Ages in the new caste of knights, formed in the Crusades. It is necessary as a means of identification in combat and as a sign of family. It appears in Normandy, northern France, and it is at that time that it begins to spread throughout Europe.
Since its origin, heraldry has been used as a sign of distinction and differentiation between different hierarchies and ranks, in addition to perpetuating an idea of lineage and the glory of the individual himself, a desire that stands out in the majority of human beings throughout the world. over the centuries. As time goes by, it will move on to the decoration, identifying the family that owns the property in the case of the palace and that owns the board of trustees in the case of churches and chapels. It becomes an important sign of ownership. However, it is also important in itself, for the aesthetic content of the heraldic and emblematic designs themselves, closely related to the artistic styles that prevailed when they were proposed. They are, therefore, artistic works in themselves.
Provenance: important private collection
Dimensions: 35 x 40 x 4 cm.
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