The earliest known colored heraldic representation, often broadly referred to as an ancestor of the family crest, is the coat of arms of Geoffrey of Anjou, dating back to his funerary enamel from 1151. While the term "family crest" is often used interchangeably with "coat of arms," technically they refer to distinct components of a full heraldic achievement.
Understanding Early Heraldry
Heraldry, the system of designing and displaying coats of arms, emerged in medieval Europe to identify individuals in battle and tournaments. These symbolic designs quickly became hereditary, passed down through families to signify lineage and status.
Historically, the development of heraldry can be traced through various forms of early representations:
- Pre-Heraldic Devices: Long before formal heraldry, various cultures used symbols for identification, but these lacked the systematic and hereditary rules that define true heraldry.
- Early Shield Embellishments: Knights began decorating their shields to be recognizable in the age of enclosed helmets. These initial designs were not always standardized or inherited.
- Formalization of Heraldry: By the 12th century, these designs began to become consistent, unique, and hereditary, leading to the establishment of heraldic rules and the role of heralds.
Geoffrey of Anjou's Coat of Arms: A Landmark
The funerary enamel of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou and Maine (who died in 1151), is remarkable for displaying what is considered the earliest known colored heraldic representation. This enamel shows him bearing a shield adorned with golden lions on a blue field. This specific design is significant because it appears to be the same coat of arms later adopted and used by some of his descendants, underscoring its hereditary nature and early heraldic significance.
Key facts about this foundational example:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Individual | Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou and Maine |
| Date | 1151 (year of death, found on his funerary enamel) |
| Type of Heraldry | Coat of Arms (specifically, gold lions rampant on a blue field) |
| Significance | Earliest known colored heraldic representation with evidence of hereditary usage |
Crest vs. Coat of Arms
While commonly referred to as a "family crest," the emblem seen on Geoffrey of Anjou's shield is technically a coat of arms. Understanding the distinction is crucial in heraldry:
- Coat of Arms: This refers to the main design emblazoned on the shield itself. It is the primary identifier of a family or individual in heraldry.
- Crest: This is a separate, three-dimensional emblem placed on top of the helmet in a full achievement of arms, positioned above the shield. Crests often came into common use after the initial development of shield-based coats of arms, reflecting a later stage in heraldic evolution.
Therefore, while Geoffrey of Anjou's example represents the oldest known colored coat of arms that served as a family identifier, it predates the widespread and distinct use of crests as a separate element. It laid the groundwork for the development of comprehensive family heraldry, including the later addition of crests.
