Blazon (rhetoric)
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Blason is a form of poetry and rhetorical device where a subject—typically female—is itemized and described, typically using metaphor and simile, to idealize and beautify its subject.
An illustration from the anti-romance Le Berger Extravagant (The extravagant shepherd); depicted is a satirical literalism of a blason
Chamber of rhetoric
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'Chambers of rhetoric were dramatic societies in the Low Countries. Their members were called Rederijkers, from the French word "rhétoricien", and during the 15th and 16th centuries were mainly intere
Blazon (rhetoric)
…of arms or the coat of arms itself. The Dutch term is Blazoen, and in either Dutch or French, the term is often used to refer to the coat of arms of a chamber of rhetoric. The term forms the root of the modern words "emblazon", which means to celebrate or adorn with heraldic markings, and "blazoner", one who emblazons…
The Rhetoricians, c. 1655, by Jan Steen. The painting depicts a rederijker reading his poem (blason), while hanging over the balcony the blazon of his chamber of rhetoric can be seen; in this case the Amsterdam society "Egelantier", whose symbol was a wild rose (egelantier) and whose motto was "In Liefde Bloeiend".
Printed invitation to other chambers of rhetoric by the Antwerp Violieren, for a landjuweel event, lasting 19 days, in 1561
Excerpt of a text by rhetorician Anthonis de Roovere, from a 15th or 16th-century manuscript of Middle Dutch and Latin devotions