[split] Roots and Eagle heraldry

[DONJCH]

If someone has a copy of Curse, it would also be interesting to read what Nick wrote about this, and which image he referred to.

Koen,

I have Curse right in front of me. P96

"Many of the other roots are far stranger. One bifolio contains a plant with a snake-like root, and another plant with an eagle-like root. The former is reminiscent of the Visconti heraldic snake, used extensively by both Viscontis and Sforzas, while the latter was tentatively identified in 2003 by Voynich researcher Dana Scott as being derived from the coat of arms of the province of Novara - one of Milan's satellite towns.

This seems, almost uniquely, to be what might be called cryptoheraldry - hidden heraldry. The only analogous example I have found anywhere is in Averlino's libro, which describes imaginary heraldic devices decorating the gates of a fictional labyrinth. According to Valentina Vulpi's thesis (pp.149-150), these appear to have been constructed out of the Sforza family's existing heraldry, in broadly the same anagramming way that Averlino used to form fictional names out of real names."

The pic is similar to others posted earlier but not identical, will try to scan but it's a bit small and in the gutter.
Closest is You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., Stemma Ufficiale on the right from bi3mw
The pic in Curse lacks most of the skinny "featherlets", yet still 5 main feathers up and four down.