I saw the three Graces again in Marco's library posting. There is really a lot of architectural structure brought into this set of heraldic insignias. So much so that there can be seen one major (two tower) structural type along with several minor types and including a small number that are apparently unique. And among this whole group there is a fair percentage where the merlons can clearly be seen to be swallowtail - rather than square. So heraldic examples have gone from zero to double digits in a few days.
Given the range of heraldic options, the choice of Ghibelline merlons makes a clear reference to historical circumstances at the time and place of the insignia's origination. The matter of Ghibelline merlons is primarily an "Italian" situation and it is most reflected in the Italian heraldry, apparently more so than in German heraldry and much more so than in French or English etc. heraldry.
By the time of the 15th Century, the perception of this heraldic statement and architectural reality to the various persons living at that time would depend on the individual situation to the extent that there would be those well acquainted with both varieties of merlon variation. And in a situation where one is positive, the other might be seen as negative and stuck in a corner.
Swallowtail merlons, just like the scallop-shell cloud band in the central rosette, provide a particular indication of what the VMs artist knows. Finding these merlons in the VMs brings a sort of geographical and historical "light of interest" to these areas. It would be wrong to say 'focus' - despite the specifics, the range of possibilities is so diverse. Nevertheless, in any VMs scenario, swallowtail merlons must be included. But does that inclusion necessitate that they are somehow favored? What if the swallowtail merlons in the VMs represent the 'opposition'? What if the VMs artist was on the 'papal' side? Who would be better able to employ the hidden references to the heraldic history of the cardinal's red galero than another member of the church who was familiar with the relevant traditions?
Given the range of heraldic options, the choice of Ghibelline merlons makes a clear reference to historical circumstances at the time and place of the insignia's origination. The matter of Ghibelline merlons is primarily an "Italian" situation and it is most reflected in the Italian heraldry, apparently more so than in German heraldry and much more so than in French or English etc. heraldry.
By the time of the 15th Century, the perception of this heraldic statement and architectural reality to the various persons living at that time would depend on the individual situation to the extent that there would be those well acquainted with both varieties of merlon variation. And in a situation where one is positive, the other might be seen as negative and stuck in a corner.
Swallowtail merlons, just like the scallop-shell cloud band in the central rosette, provide a particular indication of what the VMs artist knows. Finding these merlons in the VMs brings a sort of geographical and historical "light of interest" to these areas. It would be wrong to say 'focus' - despite the specifics, the range of possibilities is so diverse. Nevertheless, in any VMs scenario, swallowtail merlons must be included. But does that inclusion necessitate that they are somehow favored? What if the swallowtail merlons in the VMs represent the 'opposition'? What if the VMs artist was on the 'papal' side? Who would be better able to employ the hidden references to the heraldic history of the cardinal's red galero than another member of the church who was familiar with the relevant traditions?