Portuguese heraldry in nineteenth century: under the sign of renovation

Abstract

The revolutionary phenomena of the nineteenth century had profound consequences on Portuguese heraldry. Through governmental intervention, the renovation included dynastic, national, and municipal emblems, not only regarding the formal point of view, but also by altering its impact as visual culture. At the same time, familiar and ecclesiastical heraldry yielded to associative, military, commercial, and imaginary heraldry. The ancient knowledge of blazon also declined in inverse ratio to the application of heraldry to literature, art, advertising, and propaganda. The nineteenth century was therefore crucial for Portuguese heraldry renovation.