Wapen van Alessandro Farnese, landvoogd van de Nederlanden en hertog van Parma en Piacenza 1650 - 1699

Editor: So, here we have a watercolor painting from the late 17th century titled "Wapen van Alessandro Farnese, landvoogd van de Nederlanden en hertog van Parma en Piacenza," by an anonymous artist. The coat of arms feels quite rigid and formal. What jumps out at you about the composition? Curator: Immediately, it’s the deployment of symbolic elements that intrigues me. Notice how the symmetry, not just within the shield itself but in the surrounding ornamentation, speaks to a desire for order and hierarchy. The three fleur-de-lis, arranged in that pyramidal form against the field of gold, establishes a very clear visual relationship to the Bourbon Dynasty. Editor: I see what you mean about the visual language. Is there something to be said about the materials of the work? Curator: Certainly. The watercolor medium contributes to the painting's delicate quality, contrasting the heavy symbolism it communicates. Observe how the crown's golden hue and the fleur-de-lis' vibrant blue engage in a chromatic dance— a juxtaposition that emphasizes power through visual impact. Do you find that it adds an interesting layer to its visual storytelling? Editor: It definitely gives it another layer of depth. The starkness of the fleurs against the gold backdrop is heightened because of the use of watercolour. It almost gives it a pop art vibe, despite its clear Baroque elements. Thanks, that gives me much to think about regarding the visual interplay within heraldry. Curator: Indeed. Formal analysis allows us to see how visual structures speak to history.