Four Emblems for the Funeral of Prince Francesco de Medici

Stefano Della Bella

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of four heraldic emblems. The image includes four different coats of arms or heraldic shields, each with unique symbols and mottos written on banners. One shield features a cherub's face with wings and the motto "IVVENTVS ET POPVLS VIGOR." Another shield includes a helmeted figure and knights' armors under a crowned helmet, with the banner "FIDVCIA FORTITVDO." A third shield depicts a tree being bent by the wind, with a skull at the top and the words "SIC SPES DESTIVIT." The fourth shield shows three pillars tied with a serpentine ribbon, topped with a skull and the motto "DVM ADIVC ORDINE." The image has a classic and formal tone reminiscent of medieval or renaissance heraldry practices.