Coat of Arms of Scheurl and Tucher Families 1512

This woodcut, "Coat of Arms of Scheurl and Tucher Families," was created in Nuremberg by Wolf Traut. This print intertwines the heraldic symbols of two prominent families, reflecting the social and political landscape of the time. The artwork presents a complex interplay of gender, race, and class. A fair-skinned woman stands centrally, flanked by the symbols of each family, while a figure of African descent is used as a heraldic supporter. How does this juxtaposition reflect early modern European society's views on race, status, and power? It's a loaded image which tells a story of social identity in early modern Europe. Embedded within the image are Latin inscriptions, offering moral guidance and asserting the families' virtues. “Sola virtus vino mortuo stabilis firmat pollicilio” (Only virtue, firm, and stable, confirms the promise). Consider how this piece invites us to reflect on both personal identity and societal structures, revealing the intricate ways in which they are intertwined.