If you ask people on the street to answer the question, what is the coat of arms of Brussels, then the most likely answer will be - the image of the most famous sculpture "Manneken Pis". Surprisingly, this symbol is unofficial, and the main heraldic sign of the capital of Belgium is of a completely different plan - solemn, pompous. This can be seen in any color photo.
Description of the capital's coat of arms
A close examination of the heraldic sign belonging to Brussels, firstly, one can note the richness of colors and their harmonious combination, and secondly, loyalty to the traditions and canons of constructing such symbols.
The palette is dominated by scarlet and gold, a large enough space is reserved for green. It is interesting that the authors of the sketch in some details turned to black, which is rarely used in heraldry. Individual elements are rendered in silver and azure colors.
The heraldic composition is based on traditional elements:
- a French scarlet shield adorned with a precious crown;
- supporters in the images of golden lions;
- two crossed flags topping the composition.
Each of these elements can be decomposed into separate parts that play an important role in symbolism. The use of the Small Coat of Arms, consisting only of a shield, is allowed.
Patron Saint of Brussels on the coat of arms of the city
The shield depicts the Archangel Michael, armed with a spear and shield. Experts note an important feature - the absence of a cloak for the protagonist. Another remark concerns the shield, which has an unconventional shape - an oval, and the St. George's cross. Another cross is crowned with the upper end of the spear, with the tip of the archangel kills the devil. This mythical creature is depicted in black and lying down.
The importance of this event - the victory of the archangel Michael, symbolizing good, over evil, represented in the guise of the devil, is emphasized by another image of this scene, which the authors of the sketch of the coat of arms placed on one of the flags.
Golden lions
The images of predatory animals are made according to the classical canons. Lions are shown in gold, standing on their hind legs. The artist depicted them with forked tails, pronounced scarlet claws and a protruding tongue of the same tone.
Ancient documents of the 13th century, decorated with seals with the figure of the archangel, have survived - since the 16th century, such an image was used as the city's coat of arms, but the official approval took place only in 1844.
