Wapenschild geflankeerd door twee adelaars 1683 - 1783

This is an engraving of a coat of arms flanked by two eagles, made by an anonymous artist. Heraldry emerged in medieval Europe, and this kind of symbol was used to denote family lineage, status, and alliance. What interests me here is the way that visual languages ossify and calcify social hierarchies. Notice the eagles, symbols of power and freedom, acting as guardians. What are they protecting? The symbols of the family, and the hierarchies of power and wealth that accompany it. This piece is a reminder of the powerful influence that social structures and institutions have in shaping individual identity and opportunity. The Latin motto, which translates to 'There is no placid rest without content', reminds us how heraldry was used to emphasize a family's values, while solidifying their status.