Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

l’Ordre du Sainct Esprit
France, between 1583 and 1585
MS M.927. Fol. 025r

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Heraldry, French: Charles de Balzac -- Escutcheon decorated with the heraldry of Charles de Balzac: quarterly 1 and 4, azure three saltires argent, in chief, or three saltires azure (Balzac); 2 and 3, argent fretty sable (Humieres); over all, an escutcheon argent a serpent azure swallowing a child gules (Milan)
; surrounded by two collars one knotted and interspersed with scallop shells of the Order of the Holy Spirit, and one of interlocking M's alternating with fleur de lis of the Order of Saint Michael, oval medallion of Archangel Michael (transfixing dragon?) and Maltese Cross of the Order of the Holy Spirit in which is dove; above all, crest, out of torse on helmet, right arm embowed holding banner decorated with heraldry of Balzac (azure three saltires argent, in chief, or three saltires azure), scrolling foliage. Supporters, pair of unicorns rampant.