The Medieval Herald: A Portrait of Authority and Message, 1847

About this sheet

This print depicts a medieval herald, an essential figure in times of war and peace for communication and diplomacy. Dressed in a prominent red cape over a white tunic, the herald is captured extending his arm as if to deliver a proclamation or to command attention. His tunic is adorned with what appears to be a coat of arms, indicating his service to a noble house or kingdom.

His head is covered with a metal helmet, signifying readiness for war, yet his stance is open and unguarded, characteristic of his role as a messenger rather than a combatant. The simplicity and practicality of his boots and hose contrast with the formality of his upper garments, reflecting the dual nature of his duties—both in the courts and on the battlefields.

This figure embodies the weight of his responsibilities as a carrier of news and declarations, standing as a bridge between leaders and subjects, nobility and common folk. The image is a snapshot of the medieval social hierarchy and the various roles that sustained it..

The colors have a nice glow over them. Historically, egg whites, known as glair, and sometimes egg yolk were indeed used in illumination and painting, particularly in manuscripts, to give colors a brighter appearance and to add a sheen or gloss to the work. This technique was quite common during the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance.

Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image.

Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image.

Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces.

In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts, the original artists might have employed techniques or materials that gave a similar effect to those achieved with egg-based binders and varnishes.