04-10-2022, 09:28 PM
In the investigation of Fieschi heraldry in relation to VMs White Aries, it soon becomes apparent that there is still a fair amount of confusion and misrepresentation regarding the details of this heraldic pattern.
The Fieschi blazon is: Bendy, argent et azur. So, it's stripes are 'silver and blue' or blue and white. Which color goes first, and what does the mean in the actual representation? You will see examples in both variations - where the blue stripes and the white stripes are reversed. Which one is correct?
The problem of representation is inherent in the image system itself, being based on the division of the topline of the insignia into *three* different bands. The solution is a version that divides the topline into *four* as seen at the tomb of Pope Adrian V in Viterbo.
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This pattern fulfills both the general rule that the primary/first-named tincture should occupy the uppermost, dexter position. And secondly, a specific rule, for the bendy pattern, that the small slice in the lower left side is the primary tincture and the last little triangle in the opposite corner is the secondary tincture, so that it would be correct when rotated to vertical. This pattern clearly conforms to both of those heraldic rules.
The coincidence is that this is the tomb of Ottobuono Fieschi, who was made a cardinal (1251) by his uncle Sinibaldo Fieschi (Pope Innocent IV), who had originated the tradition of the cardinal's red galero - as depicted on VMs White Aries. The historic combination of these two specific heraldic elements is unique. And while obscure to many these days, it was known and used by the VMs artist.
The Fieschi blazon is: Bendy, argent et azur. So, it's stripes are 'silver and blue' or blue and white. Which color goes first, and what does the mean in the actual representation? You will see examples in both variations - where the blue stripes and the white stripes are reversed. Which one is correct?
The problem of representation is inherent in the image system itself, being based on the division of the topline of the insignia into *three* different bands. The solution is a version that divides the topline into *four* as seen at the tomb of Pope Adrian V in Viterbo.
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
This pattern fulfills both the general rule that the primary/first-named tincture should occupy the uppermost, dexter position. And secondly, a specific rule, for the bendy pattern, that the small slice in the lower left side is the primary tincture and the last little triangle in the opposite corner is the secondary tincture, so that it would be correct when rotated to vertical. This pattern clearly conforms to both of those heraldic rules.
The coincidence is that this is the tomb of Ottobuono Fieschi, who was made a cardinal (1251) by his uncle Sinibaldo Fieschi (Pope Innocent IV), who had originated the tradition of the cardinal's red galero - as depicted on VMs White Aries. The historic combination of these two specific heraldic elements is unique. And while obscure to many these days, it was known and used by the VMs artist.