Design for a Coat of Arms Surmounted by a Ring with Allegorical Figures of Justice and Fortitude 16th - 17th century

This design for a coat of arms, whose maker and date remain unknown, was rendered in pen and brown ink on paper. While the design may be for a singular object, its realization would require the work of many hands, combining metalworking for the ring, carving for the figures of Justice and Fortitude, and perhaps enamelwork for the heraldic shield itself. The pen and ink medium is a means of exploring the possibilities of design before committing to more costly materials and processes. The allegorical figures, rendered with swift strokes and washes, embody ideals of governance. Justice, often depicted with scales and a sword, represents fairness, while Fortitude, with a shield or a column, stands for resilience. The design's material simplicity belies a complex web of social meanings. Coats of arms are potent emblems of power and lineage, and their creation involved not only artistic skill, but also a deep understanding of heraldic tradition. This drawing, therefore, captures a moment in the creation of a signifier, laden with meaning and social significance.