Coat-of-Arms 1645

Editor: Here we have an anonymous "Coat-of-Arms," undated, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite detailed. I'm struck by the bold vertical stripes and the cherub at the top. How do you interpret the symbolism within such a heraldic design? Curator: Well, heraldry is essentially a visual language of power. This coat-of-arms isn't merely decorative; it's a statement of identity and status within a specific social hierarchy. How might the cherub disrupt or complicate that statement, particularly given its religious connotations? Editor: It almost softens the image and suggests a link between earthly power and divine approval? Curator: Precisely. Heraldry was often employed to legitimize authority. The symbols chosen reflect lineage, allegiances, and even aspirations. Looking closely, what connections might we draw between the symbols and broader social power dynamics? Editor: I see how reading beyond the surface reveals a complex interplay of religion, lineage, and power. Thanks for guiding me through it. Curator: My pleasure.