Antique French Armorial Shield Scroll, Circa 1720

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This antique one-of-a-kind armorial shield from Aix en Provence depicts the aristocracy of southern France from the 1700s. Almost 300 … Read more This antique one-of-a-kind armorial shield from Aix en Provence depicts the aristocracy of southern France from the 1700s. Almost 300 French family heraldry coat of arms and crests are depicted. Rich in history, this banner is historical art as it tells its story through the various aristocratic families of southern France. It comes ready to hang, with its original old decorative hand painted wood header supports on the top and bottom with gilt finials at the lower sides. It has been recently professionally restored with linen backing added.

Heraldic designs came into general use among European nobility in the 12th century and systematic, heritable heraldry had developed by the beginning of the 13th century. Exactly who had a right to use arms, by law or social convention, varied to some degree between countries. Early heraldic designs were personal, used by individual noblemen (who might also alter their chosen design over time). Arms become hereditary by the end of the 12th c See less