Design for a Coat of Arms 17th century

This is an anonymous drawing for a coat of arms. With its cherubs, crowns, and scales of justice, this design reflects the hierarchical society that it served. Coats of arms were initially used to identify noble families, reflecting ancestry and social status. The imagery, like the scales, was chosen to embody the values and history of that lineage. As such, the design becomes a performance of power, solidifying social standing. In our contemporary moment, what does it mean to view symbols that were historically associated with privilege? What values would we choose to represent ourselves and our communities? The drawing prompts us to consider our own identities, the values we prioritize, and how we wish to represent them to the world.