Johann Siebmacher: Das Neue Wappenbuch (The new book of armorials), 1605, Neurenberg

Dim.: 21,5 x 17 x 5 cm

Ref.: Städtisches Museum Schloss Rheydt, inv. no. 1094531, for another example. (link)

This hand-coloured example is the first edition of Sibmacher's magnus opus.

The Holy Roman Empire consisted of hundreds of sovereign states and individual dominions. The variety of families operating in this framework and their diverse relationships with one another was similarly confusing. Reference works like this coat of arms compendium attempted to provide an overview. The structure of the coats of arms is based on the structure of the Holy Roman Empire. First the coats of arms of the emperor and the electors are shown, then those of the other princes, counts, etc. The title page proudly points out that over 3,320 coats of arms are shown.

Under the register, we find thee printer's mark: Printed in Nuremberg by Christoph Lochner / Published by Johann Sibmacher, / In the 1605th year.

Johann Ambrosius Siebmacher (1561-1611) was a German coat of arms painter and engraver in Nuremberg, who is today best known for his Wappenbüchlein/Wappenbuch. The 1605 edition shows the most with 264 coats of arms. Siebmacher's book of arms became the standard work of heraldry and supplementary volumes were published until 1806. A total of around 19,000 coats of arms are represented. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, further coats of arms collections followed with the “Neuer Siebmacher”.