Designs for Two Heraldic Cornices, Florid Gothic Style 1830 - 1900

These designs for two heraldic cornices in the florid Gothic style were created by Robert William Hume, though the date remains unknown. Hume, working in the 19th century, was part of a society deeply entrenched in class and status, where heraldry served as a visual language of lineage and power. These cornices, intended to adorn buildings, are more than mere decoration; they represent a visual assertion of identity and authority. The Gothic style itself experienced a revival during this period, reflecting a longing for a romanticized past, and a perceived connection to tradition. Consider the implications of such displays of identity, especially in a time of vast social inequality. Whose stories were being told and amplified through these architectural statements, and whose were being systematically excluded? It's a powerful reminder that even in the realm of design, questions of power and representation are always at play.