Носова Е. И., Вебер Д. И. Печати королевы Франции Бланки Наваррской (1331–1398): иконография и технология изготовления [Электронный ресурс] // Vox medii aevi. 2019. Vol. 2(5). С. 280–300. URL: https://voxmediiaevi.com/2019-2-nosova-veber
DOI: 10.24411/2587-6619-2019-00025
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Ekaterina Nosova
Candidate of Sciences (History), Research Fellow, St. Petersburg Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences
ORCID 0000-0002-9050-3239
Dmitry Veber
Candidate of Sciences (History), Assistant Professor, Institute of Philosophy, St. Petersburg State University
ORCID 0000-0002-6158-7701
Seals of the Queen of France Blanche of Navarre (1331–1398): a Study of the Iconography and the Pigments
The article represents an analysis of iconography and technology of manufacturing of two wax seals of Queen of France Blanche of Navarre (1331–1398), originating from the N.P. Likhachev’s (1862–1936) collection. The study was carried out using optical microscopy methods in reflected and transmitted light (Olympus SZX10, Dino-lite AM4515T8), analysis in the invisible part of the spectrum (CmE37, OLD-41), as well as X-ray fluorescence analysis (Olympus VANTA C).
The sample (0.5 mm) has a heterogeneous structure: the transparent mass contains red particles ranging in size from 2 to 28 µm. Most of the particles are irregularly shaped, but some have a clear straight form. When illuminated with an ultraviolet lamp, the transparent mass turned golden-greenish and the inclusions became darker. In general, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation both seals acquired a darker tone, and under the influence of infrared became completely white, except for dark places of surface contamination.
X-ray fluorescence analysis revealed the presence of various elements. The highest concentrations of mercury, calcium and sulphur, as well as silicon and magnesium, were found in the sample. In combination with the morphology of the sample, this may indicate that it was colored with pure cinnabar. The iconographic analysis showed that Blanche of Navarre did not follow the innovative example of Jeanne of Burgundy, the first wife of King Philip VI, but preferred a more traditional variant. At the same time, she retained her own identity, symbolically positioning herself as a Navarre princess. The combination of a sophisticated iconography and a high technical level with the use of expensive pigment corresponds with the high status of the owner of the seal.
Key words: French Royal chancery, sphragistics; X-ray fluorescence analysis; cinnabar; iconography; red lead; tetramorph; wax..