Difference between revisions of "Argent"
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In some historical depictions of [[coats of arms]], a kind of silver leaf was applied to those parts of the device that were argent. Over time, the silver content of these depictions has tarnished and darkened. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish regions that were intended as argent from those that were [[Sable (Heraldry)|sable]]. The result is a false impression that the rule of tincture has been violated in cases where the argent was applied next to a dark colour, and where it now appears to be sable next to a dark colour from tarnishing. | In some historical depictions of [[coats of arms]], a kind of silver leaf was applied to those parts of the device that were argent. Over time, the silver content of these depictions has tarnished and darkened. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish regions that were intended as argent from those that were [[Sable (Heraldry)|sable]]. The result is a false impression that the rule of tincture has been violated in cases where the argent was applied next to a dark colour, and where it now appears to be sable next to a dark colour from tarnishing. | ||
| + | ===Meanings=== | ||
| + | Argent in heraldry usually refers to purity of heart or sincerity. Can also mean peace or loyalty. | ||
===Chapters=== | ===Chapters=== | ||
Latest revision as of 16:13, 9 August 2009
In heraldry, argent is the tincture of silver, and belongs to the class of light tinctures, called "metals". It is very frequently depicted as white and usually considered interchangeable with it. In engravings and line drawings, regions to be tinctured argent are either left blank, or may be indicated with the abbreviation ar. in them.
The name derives from Latin argentum, which derives from the Greek 'Αργυρος, translated as silver or white metal. The word argent had the same meaning in Old French blazon, from which it passed into the English language.
In some historical depictions of coats of arms, a kind of silver leaf was applied to those parts of the device that were argent. Over time, the silver content of these depictions has tarnished and darkened. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish regions that were intended as argent from those that were sable. The result is a false impression that the rule of tincture has been violated in cases where the argent was applied next to a dark colour, and where it now appears to be sable next to a dark colour from tarnishing.
Meanings
Argent in heraldry usually refers to purity of heart or sincerity. Can also mean peace or loyalty.
