Studies in Heraldry

The focus of modern Heraldry is actually based on the so-called armorial achievement or the coat of arms. Strictly speaking it has to be taken into consideration that the shape of the shield which was employed in a coat of arms turned out to be irrelevant because of the fact that the fashion for the shield-shapes within the general Heraldic art changed in the course of time.

Fact is that the art of Heraldry developed its different facets through the centuries. Strictly speaking Heraldry is traditionally found throughout Europe. Coats of arms do appear in the streets and even on motorcycles, on flags and on banners. Internationally Heraldry has developed into a glorious display in order to identify individuals of fame and fortune. That is exactly what today’s Heraldry is all about: It is about identifying individuals and persons for who they are and from which family tree or origin they have stemmed. Royal dynasties like the Dutch, the Danish and the Norwegian Royal Families do possess their own coats of arms which present their respective origins. They do wear their coats of arms in form of necklaces or brooches, especially at formal events such as for instance weddings and state visits.

Another use of today’s Heraldry is the one of imprinting coats of arms on curtains, blinds and drapes. It is a kind of modern style in order to decorate one’s house or flat. Often coats of arms do represent freely invented signs which are only used in order to make a panel curtain more trendy or modern. In this case coats of arms are characterized to be very colorful. They come in plenty of patterns with a variety of different designs. Fact is that in case of Heraldry most people think of Richard the Lion Heart riding in to battle. So it is of course of possible to get a roman blind with Richard the Lion Heart dressed in full Heraldic regalia on it. The colors of the motive and both the decorated shield and the sur-coat can be freely chosen individually.

Fact is that the art of Heraldry has changed in the course of time. Today Heraldry can be seen on civic flags, on government buildings and institutions as well as in houses and flats where Heraldry represents a perfect use for modern room designs. Furthermore Heraldry can also be identified both in multi-colored jerseys of players on sports fields and at horse races where jockeys do wear patterned outfits. Consequently they can be recognized from a great distance.