Fictitious & symbolic creatures in art with special reference to their use in British heraldry / by John Vinycomb.

  • John Vinycomb
Date:
1906
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Fictitious & symbolic creatures in art with special reference to their use in British heraldry / by John Vinycomb. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    &f)c il^rvaltnc Holpfjtn The heraldic dolphin, as] usually represented by modern heralds, is an ornamental monstrosity bearing but slight resemblance to the natural form of this celebrated historic marine symbol ; a nearer resem- blance to the natural shape is decidedly pre- ferable. Some of the early heraldic representa- tions, though a little crude, are very charac- teristic and thoroughly heraldic in treatment, though at the same time very unlike the real dol- phin. In its series of leaps out of the water the dolphin appears with high arched back, just as we see it represented in antique works ; its natural shape, however, is straight, the back being but slightly curved. The broad tail paddle being placed in a horizontal position necessitates an up and down stroke, which makes their swimming to appear Example—Dolphin embowed.