Gekroond wapenschild geflankeerd door eenhoorns 1709

Bernard Picart crafted this crowned coat of arms flanked by unicorns around 1709. The unicorn, a symbol of purity and grace, stands prominently, its single horn a beacon of power. In heraldry, these mythical creatures often represent nobility and are seen as guardians of virtue. Observe how Picart’s unicorns hearken back to medieval bestiaries, yet are re-imagined with a Baroque flair. The cherubic figures astride the unicorns, reminiscent of Renaissance putti, add a layer of innocence and divine blessing. Consider, too, how the unicorn motif has morphed across cultures, from ancient Greek accounts of wild asses with single horns to its adoption in Scottish royal arms, symbolizing untamed strength. Such symbols are never static; they evolve, carrying echoes of past meanings while adapting to new contexts. The enduring allure of the unicorn speaks to our collective yearning for the mystical and the noble, a persistent thread in the tapestry of human imagination.