Heraldry: An art that dates back to the ancient custom of distinguishing nations, such as the Greeks and the Romans, military leaders and important officers by a badge on their shields. Later came examples like the white horse of the Saxons and the leopards of William the Conqueror. These were not hereditary but just the owner's choice. Heraldry proper starts at the beginning of the 13th century. From the artist's point of view he has to work to a limited palette of special colours which are: Or - gold (yellow); Argent - silver (white); Azure - blue; Purpure - purple; Gules - red; Verte - green; Sable - black.

 

Related Words

Heraldry: An art that dates back to the ancient custom of distinguishing nations, such as the Greeks and the Romans, military leaders and important officers by a badge on their shields. Later came exa . . . View Full Definition