Rovecsio and Impresa in the Writings of G.F. Ferro (1582–1630)

Abstract. The Italian humanist, author of works on history and emblematic, Giovanni Francesco Ferro (1582–1630) proposed in his writings to introduce a new type of signs rovescio (it. rouesci, rovesci, rovesio). These signs, in his opinion, could be located on the reverse side of the medals and were not inferior in importance to the badge (impresa) — honorary additions to coats of arms, which were willingly used both at the
private and corporate and even at the state levels by educated people during the Modern Times. The heraldic crisis became the situation in which the search for new channels of communication, as well as signs explaining them, is clearly visible in the works of erudite and intellectuals of that time. G.F. Ferro tried to justify the introduction of a new type of signs into heraldry, but history has shown that the attempt was not successful. Engaging in an intellectual dispute with his contemporaries, G.F. Ferro focuses on badge, various signs, and their relationship with rovescio. The lack of a clear definition, the confusion in the placement of the proposed signs, and the very narrow scope of rovescio could also be the reason why this kind of signs with new semantic content was not accepted by the intellectual society.

Keywords: Italy, 17th century, rovescio, heraldry, badges, imprese, Modern Times.