"All animals must be shown in a posture in which they appear most vigorous and noble according to their nature. Accordingly, a lion has to look wild, with gnawing teeth; a horse has to look lively but not untamed; and a sheep simply has to walk about. ... Regarding depictions of animals on standards and banners, the text postulates that the animal=s right paw has to lead, because it would be unnatural and vicious if the left were to come first."
Osvaldo Cavallar, et al., A Grammar of Signs: Bartolo da Sassoferrato's TRACT ON INSIGNIA AND COATS OF ARMS, 1994, pp. 75-76
I'm an Academic Herald. I'm not a "real" herald; I don't register people's coats of arms (though I can certainly suggest designs for those who might be interested). What I do is study, research, teach, and write about heraldry. And I like to share what I have learned about heraldry, hence this blog. I hope that you'll find it informative, interesting at least occasionally, and worth your time to come back. Got a question? Comments? Feel free to let me know. I'd love to hear from you. You can find my contact information in my Profile.
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