Portugal, from the National Flags series (N195) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1891

This is a chromolithograph of the Portuguese flag, published by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series on national flags. Note the crowned shield emblazoned on the bicolor of white and blue. This emblem echoes the medieval heraldry, a visual language of power and identity, which persists even in our modern age. The crown, an ancient symbol of sovereignty, speaks to a lineage of rulers, connecting the present to a storied past. Consider how the motif of royalty recurs throughout history, from the diadems of pharaohs to the papal tiaras, each a marker of divine right and temporal authority. These symbols are not static; their meanings evolve, shaped by the shifting sands of culture and politics. The flag here serves as a potent reminder of collective identity and shared history, engaging viewers on a primal, emotional level. The emblem is an invitation to delve into the rich tapestry of cultural memory, where symbols retain their power, resonating across centuries and continents.