Duels Oniriques

Histoires De Carres > Spring-Summer 2019

Lions, unicorns, dolphins and dragons form the imaginary bestiary that adorns the helmets, tunics and damask caparisons staged in these Duels oniriques. Four knights, the compass points of this composition by Pierre Marie, do battle. They are inspired by the book with an evocative title, the Ancien Armorial equestre de la Toison d'or et de l'Europe au xv siecle (*Old Equestrian Armorial of the Golden Fleece and of Europe in the 15th Century") conserved in the Emile Hermes collection. Originating in the 12th century, heraldic art is an intrinsic part of western European history. Over time, military equipment became heavier and men were cvered in steel from head to toe. Coats of arms allowed them to be recognised during feudal warfare, and were passed on from generation to generation.