Explore our documents on coats of arms! New selection in the discovery area

Looking for inspiration? Each month, our subject specialists highlight a particular topic through a range of documents from the National Library’s collections. This month, discover our selection on heraldry!

Since the Middle Ages, coats of arms have decorated many objects and monuments, giving them a distinctive identity. Studying them often helps us to contextualise these objects in history and identify their owners. As a system of signs, coats of arms persist in our visual memory, even evolving into contemporary forms such as brand logos. In parallel with our Ars Heraldica and Insignia exhibitions, which open on 15 April 2024, this selection offers you an in-depth perspective on heraldry.

You can browse this compilation in the discovery area on the ground floor of the Reading Room. If you are interested in one of the documents, simply remove it from the shelf: they are all available for on-site consultation and/or home loan. Enjoy your read!