Equestrian seal
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An equestrian seal is a type of seal used in the European Middle Ages, characterized by the depiction of the owner as a mounted warrior in full armour. Originating in the high medieval period, the typ
William I of England (c. 1067)
Ralph I, Count of Vermandois (1116)
Thibaut de Blois (1138)
Fulk, King of Jerusalem (r. 1131–1143)
History of heraldry
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Heraldry is the system of visual identification of rank and pedigree which developed in the European High Middle Ages. It was closely associated with the courtly culture of chivalry, Latin Christianit
Equestrian seal
…Continued use into the 15th and 16th centuries was mostly limited to high nobility, especially royalty, while lower nobility switched to the use of simple heraldic seals. Early examples of equestrian seals are known from the second half of the 11th century. The oldest example that may be addressed as an "equestrian…
Depiction of a late medieval knightly tournament from King René's Tournament Book (1460s). The two teams stand ready, each side has 24 knights, all with heraldic surcoats and caparisons, and each accompanied by a banner-bearer with a heraldic flag. There is a central spectators' box for the four judges, where the heraldic shields of the competitors are displayed, the two teams being led by the dukes of Brittany and Bourbon, respectively, and one spectator box on each side for the ladies; inscribed over the boxes is
Depiction of Carolingian-era round shields (Stuttgart Psalter, 9th century). The spiral patterns represent iron bracing reinforcing the shield.
Proto-heraldic shield decorations shown in the Bayeux Tapestry (c. 1077).