One of my passions that has medieval roots besides calligraphy is also, HERALDRY.
That's why my inner child is unusually happy when my commissions have something to do with this, old and specific artform.
Such as was in this particular project.
It was a wish, from a friend I will not name (for private reasons), to make a reproduction of his family's coat of arms. This was a picture he gave me to serve me as a template.
He also said (knowing nothing about the heraldry, as majority of people), that I can paint it as I will.
Luckily for both of us, I study heraldry as much as I can. So I can tell you that of course, heraldry, like any other art or science, has certain rules. One of them is that every coat of arms is unique an there cannot be two equal coat of arms for different families.
Also, in this template, the helmet faces the 'wrong' direction – namely, this could pass as correct as the family got its Coat of arms in the year 1563, for the rule of helmets was agreed upon in A.D.1615. But, in my investigation I discovered that there is a recommendation of the heraldic authorities, that regardless of the year it was given to a family, all modern reproductions of the Coats of arms SHOULD be made according to heraldic rules, and not that of artistic fantasy or taste.
That's why I didn't just begin to draw and paint, but instead, had a research to do.
For a mantle I used a fur from 16th century, to add more expressive look than the one on the template. My design was almost ready . But I had yet another dilemma – about the colors... which one to choose?
After consulting my friends on social networks, I chose the one I also liked better and could finally start producing my intended Coat of Arms
I carefully painted it on the new paper... I wrote the family name and the motto in black ink. Unfortunatelly, for the online needs of this project, I had to delete the family name in Photoshop but I hope that even without it, You, my dear audience, can enjoy in its beauty.
This is with added gold on the letters..
Of course, like all of my works, it also has a description on the back, written in the Fraktur font, which was in use in Germany during the 15-16th century.
With this last, to me beautiful picture I salute You till the next project!!
