Badge, in the form of a ribbon and pendant cross, of copper-gilt and champlevé enamel,1382-42

Badge, of copper-gilt and champlevé enamel. The lower part, in the shape of a cross, is enamelled in the centre with the arms of Bishop Acciaioli, who was successively Bishop of Aquila from 1328-42, of Florence from 1342-55, and of Monte Cassino from 1355-7. The upper section, bow-shaped, depicts a bishop's mitre.

Purchased for £4 16 shillings in 1863

This object depicts the arms of Angelo Acciaioli (d.1357). The Acciaioli family was a very wealthy and powerful Florentine family. Angelo Acciaioli was Bishop of Aquila from 1328 to 1342 and Bishop of Florence from 1342 to 1355. In Florence he led a conspiracy against the tyrant Duca d'Atene. Acciaioli had close political connections with Naples and was appointed chancellor there in 1348. In 1355 he became Bishop of Monte Cassino.

Historical significance: Although heraldry was primarily used in a secular context, it was soon adopted by the clergy and used on ecclesiastical seals, tombs and ornament. Clergymen often combined their personal arms with symbols of their office. This particular heraldic piece promotes the bearer's lineage and ecclesiastical status. The personal arms of Bishop Angelo Acciaioli are shown with symbols of his episcopal position, the mitre and the cross. As a member of a wealthy and powerful Florentine family, Bishop Acciaioli would have wanted to promote his family connnections as well as his position in the church.

This ornament was probably used as a belt tag or badge. The studs at the back of the object suggest that it was originally fitted to leather or wood.

Possibly made in Florence

Heraldric imagery was used as much by wealthy clergy as by other powerful staesmen, especially on ecclesiastical seals and tombs. Clergymen often combined their personal arms with symbols of their office. This particular heraldic piece indicates the bearer's lineage and ecclesiastical status. The personal arms of Bishop Angelo Acciaioli are shown with emblems of his role as bishop, the mitre and the cross. As a member of a wealthy and powerful Florentine family, Bishop Acciaioli would have wanted to emphasise his family connnections as well as his position in the church.It is not certain how the badge was used; it might have been attached to a retainer's belt or to a horse harness.

8991-1863