The Man and His Arms: An Origin Story

The arms of Chad M. Krouse emblazoned in a Spanish-style by Dr. Antonio Salmeron (ES).

In light of several posts regarding the arms of two of my alma maters, I thought it appropriate to share my journey into the world of heraldry.  I used to be somewhat embarrassed about my passion for heraldry.  It's an arcane subject that most Americans wrongly associate with aristocratic impulses.  I feared that others might interpret my interest as a way to portray myself as something that I am not.  Over the years, thankfully, I was able to shed those unfounded fears.   

I am a visual learner.  I lean on my confluence skills, sifting for patterns and common themes in data--it's a gift I have and one I certainly didn't ask for.  Add to this my love of symbology and extracting meaning and identification through otherwise abstract ideas and images.  Perhaps this is why I was drawn to heraldry.

It all began as a freshman at Hampden-Sydney College back in 1998.  I was enamoured by the college's coat of arms, and I literally spent all of my high school graduation gift money in the College Bookstore on just about everything emblazoned with those arms.  Yes, I'll even admit to ordering my college ring as a freshman simply because I wanted to proudly wear those beautiful arms--fortunately my investment was proven upon graduation.  Click here to learn about Hampden-Sydney College's coat of arms.  

Following my undergraduate studies, I started to take a keen interest in the study of heraldry, purchasing loads of books on the subject.  My first work was to design arms within a vesica piscis for my local parish, Johns Memorial Episcopal Church.  Because the parish already had an existing banner containing an otherwise generic coat of arms, I had no choice but to run with that design in order to get the seal approved by the Rector and Vestry.  The blazon for the arms of Johns Memorial Episcopal Church:  gules an agnus dei carrying a resurrection banner proper.  Admittedly, there are some issues with this coat, but nonetheless, you have to begin your heraldic journey somewhere.  I learned a lot about proposing such things before committees, and yes, it's a dangerous thing.

The seal of Johns Memorial Episcopal Church in Farmville, Virginia.  Designed by the author in 2006 and emblazoned by Dr. Richard McClintock, Hampden-Sydney College.

I was extremely fortunate to attend the School of Theology at the University of the South for seminary, where I earned a master of divinity degree.  Sewanee, as it's simply called, is an Episcopal university high atop the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.  Gothic architecture dominates the landscape and serves as the perfect backdrop for heraldry.  While Sewanee's heraldry was cleverly designed in 1981 by French Professor Dr. James Waring McCrady (b.1938), the shields were not in use, bowing to the popularity of the university's seal (also set within a vesica piscis) prominently emblazoned on the floor inside the vestibule of All Saints' Chapel.  I would have to say that my time at Sewanee truly catapulted my heraldic interest to the next level.  Click here to read about the arms of the School of Theology, The University of the South.

A non-heraldic seal for the Sewanee Society of Our Lady of Walsingham, a short-lived student group at the seminary, designed by the author 2009.

In a small way, I was able to give something back to Sewanee by way of heraldry.  As my interest grew in the subject, I wanted to see how Sewanee's heraldry would look displayed as banners.  Given all the pomp and circumstance of university ceremonies, I felt deep in my gut that there was a way to increase the visibility of McCrady's work.  I posted several line drawings of banners here in September 2014, knowing full well no one in the world would take notice.  I was wrong.  

A line drawing correctly displaying McCrady's 1981 design for the arms of the University of the South, designed by the author, Sept. 19, 2014.

The Rev. Robertson "Rob" C. Donehue T'16, a seminarian at the time at the School of Theology, saw my post and sparked several conversations about Sewanee's heraldry.  Rob's passion for Sewanee's heraldry, along with his savy leadership, brought my humble sketches into reality.  My dream of seeing Sewanee's heraldry come alive and "fly," was simply made possible by Rob.  By the university's Easter 2015 commencement, all three banners were up and flying (The Sewanee Purple, April 16, 2016, website).  Please click here to read The Sewanee Purple's article.  I am incredibly thankful for Father Rob and the work he did as a seminarian.  To this day, we still correspond on occasion about these very topics.  

By 2014, I was deeply engrossed in researching my family genealogy.  My motivation was simple:  I wanted to share with my children who we are and where we come from in this wide world we inhabit.  Through my research, I joined a number of hereditary societies:  The Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of the Revolution, the Order of First Families of Massachusetts, the Order of First Families of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.  All this research got me thinking about designing and adopting my own arms as a way to honor my newfound discoveries.

My research muse, Pierre de Chaignon la Rose (1872-1941), photograph from his Harvard Class of 1895 yearbook.  Image source Harvard Archives.  

As a researcher, I went looking for resources about how to design arms in accordance with the strict customs of heraldry.  Lo and behold, I kept running into a most unusual name, Pierre de Chaignon la Rose (1872-1941).  Throughout my seminary studies, I identified with the Anglo-Catholic movement within the Church of England--a story rife with historical "fringe figures" complete with equally colorful personalities.  It was no wonder, then, that my fascination with la Rose took off.  Now going on ten years of research, I am extremely grateful to la Rose for a number of reasons.  I learned through his work to appreciate the art and science of heraldry, and I mean good heraldry.  I credit la Rose for giving me the tools to create my own arms.

As a son of West Virginia, and now an adopted one of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I knew I wanted two key elements:  the dogwood flower and the cardinal.  As a lover of irony, the cardinal is the official bird for both states, and you can readily spot these brightly colored, majestic creatures taking flight in both areas.  Furthermore, I love "canting" arms, or using charges within a shield that play upon the arminger's name.  Thus, I knew I had to use the cross attributed to Saint Chad of Mercia (d. 672).  Saint Chad is truly my aspirational saint, a humble man who walked his diocese (refusing to ride horseback) with grace and even turned over his see in a demonstration of obedience. 

In the spirit of humility, an early draft of my arms in 2014.  Through this rather busy and unattractive design, you can see where I'm heading as I arrived at my final version.

Furthermore, I wanted my arms to be layered in a distinctly English sort of way.  The barry wavy lines of six became a logical solution, for it represents my love of water, fishing, and just about anything fun to do on lakes, rivers, and streams (ironically, I'm not a huge fan of the ocean on account of Jaws).  After multiple drafts--some decent, some horrible--I finally arrived on a design that I could live with.  

My very first digital emblazonment, rendered by Steve Cowan (CA) in 2014.

As I began joining various heraldry groups, I oozed envy over seeing all the beautiful digital emblazonments that armingers had commissioned.  While poor at the time, I wanted my own!  I connected with Steve Cowan, a heraldic artist in Canada who was so gracious and patient with me.  A link to Cowan's website and portfolio can be found under "websites of interest."  Once I received the emblazonment above, I proudly shared my arms within those groups.  And that's where I learned my first lesson:  blazons should be very specific.

The dogwood flowers in the shield above are distinctive of the species found in Canada, not the cornus florida variety which is the official state flower of Virginia.  I was incredibly embarrassed that I missed this key detail--it wasn't Cowan's fault, I simply needed to specify my blazon.  We quickly corrected this mistake and I learned the true importance of the blazon in heraldry.

The corrected cornus florida, emblazoned by Steve Cowan (CA).

And that's how I arrived at my final blazon:  Per chevron Gules and barry wavy Argent and Azure, in chief two dogwood flowers (Cornus Florida) Proper and in base a cross of Saint Chad of the first.

  

The next mistake I would make would be found within my motto.  I wanted my motto, "I make right," rendered in German to honor my fifth generation German-American ancestry.  I developed the motto to reflect my desire to "make right" all the wrongs I have (or may) done in the course of my existence.  I foolishly turned to Google where I landed with ICH MACHE RECHTE.  To this day, any German-speaking person reads this as, "I make laws."  It's imperfect, just like me.  As I would later learn the true translation, I decided to keep it for that very reason.

A rather ferocious cardinalis cardinalis. 
The crest of Chad M. Krouse, emblazoned by Steve Cowan (CA).

For my crest, I knew I wanted the cardinal and the madonna lily.  Again, I learned that the blazon must specify the type of bird lest it suggest some poor and unfortunate Roman Catholic prelate's head had been ripped off.

The blazon for my crest is: a cardinal's head (Cardinalis cardinalis) erased clutching in its beak a Madonna lily (Lilium Candidum) seeded Proper.  While the cardinal has been covered, I wanted to incorporate a symbol for the Blessed Virgin Mary as depicted in the image and vision of Our Lady of Walsingham (England).  It seemed fitting to have the bird clutch the seeding flower--a image of growth and vitality. 

The coronet of dogwood flowers (cornus florida) and fleur-de-lis along with the motto,
 emblazoned by Quentin Peacock (UK).

During the ill-timed COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I wanted to create a heraldic badge and update my emblazonments.  I commissioned Quentin Peacock in England, who is rapidly becoming the expert artist for all things British heraldry.  With Peacock's expertise, we agreed on a coronet of dogwood flowers (cornus florida) and fleur-de-lis to encircle three madonna lilies.  I simply love my badge!  Click here to read the full details on my arms as they appear in the International Armorial Register.

The banner, arms, and badge of Chad M. Krouse, beautifully emblazoned by Quentin Peacock (UK).

 

Finally, during those dark and lonely days of lockdown, I leaned into heraldry as a way to highlight social injustice in our country.  I devised attributed arms for the Black Lives Matter Movement to visually portray the struggles many women and men of color face each day in our society.  The blazon I created: Argent a fist couped Sable flaunches Gules masoned of the field, on a chief Vert a demi dove displayed of the first auerled Or.  I was shocked that my work went viral!  Through these arms, I tried to show not only how extremely relevant heraldry is in our common human experience, but to make a contribution of hope.  I appreciated all the great feedback I received from this project.  Click here to read about the attributed arms for the Black Lives Matter Movement.

The attributed arms of the Black Lives Matter Movement, designed by Chad M. Krouse and emblazoned by Dimitri Prica, June 10, 2020.

My origin story of heraldry is uniquely my own and rather reflective of my journey in life.  While I'll continue to make mistakes as any human will, I endeavor to learn from them to make things right.  The journey led me to discover one of my passions in life, heraldry, and also gave me a research focus on the life and heraldic work of la Rose.  More importantly, I have connected and befriended so many enthusiasts of heraldry all over the world.  I cherish these friendships and connections.

My task, now, is crystal clear: to share la Rose's work with the world in order to give him the credit he truly deserves.  The goal is to publish a book, complete with my findings in the near term.  I even have an amazing research assistant now, an undergraduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I earned my doctoral degree and continue to serve in a professional capacity.  

The arms of Chad M. Krouse, emblazoned in the inimitable style of Sivane Saray (BE).

In so many weird and unexpected ways, heraldry has given me a deeper sense of purpose along with a tangible goal.  I'm having the time of life.  ICH MACHE RECHTE!

Blog Overhaul and More

 

The arms of Chad Krouse, assumed in 2014, and rendered by Dimitri Prica, August 18, 2023.

I recently commissioned a digital heraldic artist through Discord's Heraldry Server to emblazon several shields so that I could update my blog's masthead.  Click here to read more about this community of heraldic enthusiasts.  As this blog has evolved since its earlier days of random thoughts to now focusing on heraldic research, I thought it was time to get a proper masthead to reflect where I am in life--we're still refining it.  The digital artist, Dimiri Prica, did an amazing job with these coats, a link to his portfolio can be found to the reader's left under "websites of interest."  Prica is a young digital heraldic artist in France.  I first commissioned Prica during the summer of 2020 to render the attributed arms I designed for the Black Lives Matter movement--my one and only viral moment in history.  Click here to read more about the attributed arms of the Black Lives Matter movement.  Following that design, Aemdal rendered both an ex libris and my heraldic badge.  I appreciate and enjoy the artist's style, which feels fresh and young.   

The attributed arms of the Black Lives Matter movement, designed by Chad Krouse on June 10, 2020 and rendered by Dimitri Prica.

The artist's style is unique, employing darker colors with various shading techniques to accent certain elements.  The rendering of my arms as seen above exemplifies the artist's careful eye.  Prica's style, in my opinion, gives a respectably modern feel.  While the blazon remains static for all coats of arms, the heraldic artist does enjoy certain freedoms, such as how to actually draw the charges, etc.  

My research muse Pierre de Chaignon La Rose (1872-1941) would likely have a strong opinion on the use of darker colors in heraldry.  La Rose was interviewed in 1933 regarding the newly adopted arms for the University of Pennsylvania, where he adds:   

"Gules in heraldry is bright red--heraldry knows nothing about crimson, cherry, etc. which is purely a livery detail.  In one's liveries (and athletic colours and academic hoods come under that head) one may establish any shade or tone of colour one chooses, but not so in heraldry...One may fixe a 'blazon' for all time...(in this case the principal symbols of the Penn and Franklin Arms)...but every subsequent painter, carver, or die-cutter is wholly at liberty to carry out the blazon in his own manner... 

In other words, the actual draughtsmanship of heraldry is a very flexible thing, and an heraldic composition is good or bad according the disposition and colouring of its charges, not their draughtsmanship" (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 1933, 2-4).  

As someone once said, there is no accounting for taste.  And who knows, perhaps la Rose would have embraced the digital age.    

Ex libris for Chad Krouse and rendered by Dimitri Prica, June 4, 2020.

I am absolutely giddy for now having full color digital emblazonments of all the arms of my two alma maters that bear arms--Sewanee: The University of the South and Hampden-Sydney College.  One day I plan to devise arms for my third.   

Previously, there were no digital renderings in the public domain for any of Sewanee's heraldry.  So to have these digital emblazonments today makes me happy, as they are lovely arms.  To that end, I've updated my post on the heraldry of Sewanee: The University of the South.  Click here to read more about the Heraldry of Sewanee.  That this previous post has been viewed more than 1,400 times since writing it in 2014 illustrates the interest in Sewanee's heraldry.    

Some unique design elements rendered by Aemdal for Sewanee's heraldry include the shading points within the university's pall cross.  I also love how the crossed fleam in the School of Theology's coat is rendered.  Finally, Prica simply did full justice to McCrady's "Sewanee Tressure," as I have seen versions where this gets butchered--the counter-changed crosses tend to be larger in size when compared to the other crosses within the tressure.    

I'm also adopting several "style standards" in order to be consistent with posts:

• I will continue using APA 7th Edition for all citations and references.  While I learned MLA during undergraduate studies followed by The Chicago Manual of Style with my master's work (still miss this style), I was sufficiently indoctrinated with APA for my doctoral research.  It's easier and faster

• Blazons will be in bold.  When Latin is used within a blazon, I will capitalize all letters and provide a translation in parenthesis

• The first time a person's name is mentioned, I will use bold to off-set it.  If the person is no longer alive, I will add their dates in parenthesis.

• Whenever I add a reference to a previous blog post, I will clearly define the link by writing, "Click here to read..." so as to avoid any confusion that the link is spam or sending the reader into the ether

• I will endeavor to cite anything that is not either my own work or work that is well-known to the general public.  As a scholar-researcher, it is critical to show where I find things.  This principle lends more credibility to any work

• I've gone through and revised all "tags" for my posts in order to give the reader an easier tool to search posts based on a given topic--Scholastic Heraldry, Ecclesiastical Heraldry, etc. 

I've also added my personal email address to my profile so that readers who wish to correspond may do so.  Sometimes, simply throwing my research out into the void feels rather lonely.  Thus, I strongly encourage readers to comment on anything!  Feedback is critical to growth, and I do appreciate feedback--good or bad.  

Works Cited

Anonymous. (1933).  The coat-of-arms and flag.  The Pennsylvania Gazette, vol 32(1), 2-4.

Heraldry and Discord: A Generous Community

 

The first digital emblazonment of the arms of Pierre de Chaignon la Rose (1872-1941) after his 1895 bookplate.  Digital rendering by "vErmines Love Supreme" and Encyclopedia Heraldica August 11, 2023. 

Several weeks ago, a friend of mine in the heraldry community suggested that I join the Discord server in order to participate with the Heraldry group there.  Previously, my social media interactions were limited to several vibrant Facebook groups, where each group has a particular focus--American Heraldry Society, Ecclesiastical Heraldry, Scholastic Heraldry (the group I founded during the pandemic), the Royal Canadian Heraldry Society, etc.  Click here to join the Facebook group on scholastic heraldry.  I took my friend's suggestion and downloaded Discord to my phone, set up an account, and was live in the group.  Immediately, and much to my suprise, I discovered that the community on Discord was extremely active, supportive, and engaged.

Based on my experiences with both Facebook heraldry groups and now Discord, there are several notable comparisons.  Facebook heraldry groups tend to skew towards an older audience.  Typically, I've observed sharper comments regarding posts, arguments between members, etc.  Generally speaking, however, these Facebook groups stay on point for whichever heraldic topic is the focus.  Because the members are older, they do offer deeper insights to heraldic conundrums, can quickly correct an error in a blazon, and connect histories and themes for given arms.  

The arms of the Heraldry Discord Server, created on May 24, 2022 and rendered by "ET72."

Discord, so far as I've seen, is much younger.  There is a ton of digital artists who will quickly, and I mean quickly, emblazon anything.  This experience gives me the feeling that heraldry is alive, it's real, and to see folks engaging with the subject in new and creative ways is truly palpable.  As an aside, I feel like even the arms of the group as seen above, wonderfully illustrates my point.  

The arms are blazoned: Per saltire Gules and Azure, a fret between two escutcheons in pale Argent and as many bees in fess proper.  The crest is blazoned: A demi-pantheon Azure charged with a semy of estoiles Argent and gorged of a coronet of oak-leaves Or, bearing in the forelegs a torch Gules enflamed Or. And the supporters are blazoned:  Two lions rampant regardant, the dexter Argent, the sinister Gules, both armed and langued Azure and gorged of coronets of oak-leaves Or.

Even the motto is on point: "By the arms knowst thou the man."

Case in point:  I asked in one subgroup to see if anyone was willing to take a shot at emblazoning the arms of Pierre de Chaignon la Rose (1872-1941), as I've yet to encounter a colored emblazonment (much less a digital one) anywhere.  I shared the blazon that I created based on la Rose's 1895 bookplate, an image of the bookplate, as well as my own line drawing.  For more background, please click here to read my previous post on la Rose's arms.  Within 24 hours, two members took up the challenge and rendered unique digital emblazonments.  Much to my delight, both arms look authentic, alive, and frankly beautiful.  Thank you Schnitzel, Herzog von Westfalen and vErmines Love Supreme.

The blazon that I give la Rose's arms as they appeared on his 1895 bookplate is: Azure, a lion rampant Or langued Gules and charged on the shoulder with a rose of the third barbed and seeded proper, holding in dexter arm a sword proper.  Motto:  Fortiter et Suaviter (Firmly and gently). 

So, I highly recommend joining Discord and the vibrant heraldry community there!  You won't be disappointed.  

Another digital emblazonment rendered by "Schnitzel, Herzog von Westfalen" on August 11, 2023.  I absolutely love the lion's expression.  It's almost like the lion is supplicating!  Amazing detail! 

My line drawing of la Rose's arms as they appeared in 1895, drawn on June 9, 2020.

The bookplate of Pierre de Chaignon la Rose from the Houghton Library, Harvard, 1895

Looking back at old designs

Proposed arms for an Episcopal parish in Maryland. 
The parish, named in honor of St. Andrew, still uses the old warden's wands placed in saltire with the cross bottony from Maryland surrounding them.  Never adopted, designed in 2014.

Sometimes it's fun to go back through the old files and take a look at my old designs.  Many of these designs which I've posted here were never adopted.  Nonetheless, I had fun putting them together.  Enjoy.

Literally just had fun adding the priest's gallero. Never adopted.  Designed in 2014.

Draft of personal arms, never adopted.  Designed in 2020.

Proposed arms for a university's school of business in Tennessee. 
Never adopted. Designed in 2020.

Draft of a number of designs for personal arms, never adopted.
Designed in 2014.

Proposed arms for a gentlemen's hunting & fishing club,
never adopted.  The crew were primarily Hampden-Sydney men (hence the pheon) and did a ton of trout fishing.  I loved this one. Designed in 2020.

Crest for new arminger, and it was adopted!  Shield is below.
Designed in 2014.

Arms adopted by the new arminger, designed in 2014.  His crest is above.

Ich Mache Rechte: Notes on an Imperfect Motto

A recent emblazonment by the talented Sivane Saray of Brussels, Belgium.

Years ago when I was developing my coat of arms, I knew I wanted the motto to be rendered in German.  As a fifth generation German-American, I felt it was important to blend my German ancestry into the arms which otherwise are very English in nature.  The "crie de guerre" is the war cry carried into battle by soldiers under the knight's banner, at least that's the origin of the motto in association with coat armour.  I believe it to be the least important element of the armorial achievement.

Thanks to German speaking viewers on Facebook, most scratch their heads when they see my arms with the motto, "Ich Mache Rechte."  They rightfully ask, "I make rights?  What on earth?"  It's a fair question.  One that I'm getting used to answering more and more.  

It all started with Google translator in 2014.  Yes, all those years of taking French classes in high school and college was of no use to me on this particular project.  And I'm not ashamed to admit that I turned to Google for help.  In hindsight, I would have asked on Facebook for assistance with the translation and would have undoubtedly received it.  But, since I've invested a lot in registrations and emblazonments, the motto is now etched in stone.  

I make right, is my interpretation of Ich Mache Rechte.  The sentiment is deeply personal and meaningful to me.  As I look back on my young life to date, I strive to make right the things in my life that have gone wrong; poor decisions, damaged relationships, and all the normal human choices we face each and every day.  By nature, I'm a very reflective person.  I seek guidance for the future from my past.  Perhaps this is why biography is one of my favorite genres in books.   

I hope these brief notes help explain my imperfect motto, it's like me, imperfect.  I'm going to keep it.

And please check out the Facebook page of Sivane Saray who does exquisite heraldic work in a very unique style.  Support our heraldic artists!

New Registrations of Arms

Because the U.S. lacks any heraldic authority to grant and regulate the use of coat armour, many Americans find themselves scrambling to protect their arms.  In the U.S., armingers for the most part assume their arms, meaning they design and then assign those arms as their own rightful property.  There are many Americans who look abroad for legitimacy, claiming grants of arms from Lord Lyon in Scotland, the Heralds' College in London, or even the Bureau in South Africa.  Each authority has strict regulations and requirements for eligibility, usually being able to document a direct lineage and descent.

In the U.S., the pre-eminent authority on arms is, perhaps, the Committee on Heraldry working under the auspices of the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) in Boston.  The Committee is the oldest non-governmental organization to research and register arms in the U.S.  Click here to see my previous post on the NEHGS.   During this lockdown, I went through my inbox from 2014 to find some official confirmation that the Committee had in fact registered my arms on September 2, 2014.  After a few email exchanges, I was excited to receive the following confirmation letter.

Official letter of registration from the Committee on Heraldry, May 3, 2020.

Well, that letter ignited a fire in me to get my arms out there and registered in a few other places. 

Certificate of registration from the Society of American Armingers, May 7, 2020.

Certificate of registration from The Armorial Register, May 9, 2020.

Thus, below is the listing of registrations completed.  

• 2 September 2014 - The Committee on Heraldry, New England Historic Genealogical Society
• 4 February 2015 - U.S. Heraldic Registry, Registration #20150204G
• 7 May 2020 - The Society of American Armingers, Registration #AA0076
• 9 May 2020 - The Armorial Register, International Armorial, Registration #0550, Volume 4
• 30 July 2023 - Discord: The Heraldry Community Roll of Arms  

A new emblazonment

The banner, badge, and arms of Dr. Chad M. Krouse,
digitally rendered by Quentin Peacock, Copyright 2020.

I am thrilled to share my latest emblazonment of arms, rendered by Quentin Peacock.  I've added a link to Quentin's website on the blog as he does exceptional work.  I love his rendering of my crest which makes the cardinal look beastly!  For a previous posting on the development of my personal arms, click here.  I've wanted to see my arms in a banner for some time, and that made me think about what would an appropriate badge might look like.  For starters, I was always drawn to the idea of the vidame's coronet, which is prominently featured in the crest of the arms of the University of the South.  I believe it's a powerful heraldic image for the laity and I was drawn to this for my badge.  Secondly, and I'll admit this, I've been a big fan of the Prince of Wales' badge which is blazoned, "a plume of three ostrich feathers argent enfiled by a royal coronet of alternate crosses and fleur-de-lys or."  The badge further incorporates the the motto "Ich Dien" on a blue ribbon.  

The badge of the Prince of Wales

 

So, my first draft of the badge was blazoned, "three Madonna lilies (lilium candidium) seeded proper enfiled by a vidame's coronet or."  It was ballsy, to the say the least.  When I posted the first emblazonment of the badge in a Facebook forum dedicated to heraldry, I immediately received some feedback suggesting that I not use the vidame's coronet.  The more I thought about it, I did not want to portray myself as someone that I am not.  In the capable hands of Quentin Peacock, he convinced me to simply change the coronet by using the flowers from the achievement, dogwood flowers and lilies.  Actually, when you turn the dogwood flower around, it makes a perfect cross!  

The badge of Dr. Chad M. Krouse 
digitally rendered by Quentin Peacock, Copyright 2020.

Thus, the final version of the badge came into being, blazoned: "three Madonna lilies (lilium candidium) seeded proper enfiled by a coronet of dogwood flowers and fleurs-de-lis or."

Arise, Shine!

The coat of arms of Dr. Chad M. Krouse, 

emblazoned by Hector Rojas

Yes, it's been several years since I last posted on this blog.  In short, lots of things, good things (great, in fact) have happened in the intervening years since.  Today, the world is no longer the same; the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to shut down, to pause, and reset.  Being home the last seven weeks has given me time to also pause and reset, just like I had to do with finding the password to this site.

I hope to share more in the coming days and weeks.  So many old hobbies and interests have been rekindled during this time.  Wait for it...yes!  Heraldry.  It's funny in a way.  Back in 2014, I was all over the subject, loving every minute.  I couldn't get enough of it, in fact.  When I began my doctoral program in 2015, my focus inevitably shifted, free time was a luxury I could no longer afford.

About a year ago, I commissioned Hector Rojas to emblazon my full achievement, another luxury I could not have afforded back in the day.  While I didn't do anything exciting with the rendering, I was pleased to have them.

During this shutdown, I'm keeping the digital heralds busy.  I'll share a few new things over the coming days.  Until then, it's great to be back.  Be safe. 

New Arms

Recent line drawing (pencil) for a commission of arms.  

Copyright 2014, Chad Krouse.

I just finished a line drawing for a new commission of arms which I think turned out beautifully. There is a lot of significance in these arms to the new armiger and even contains a pun on his middle name (Andrew).  The anchor cross has been traditionally appropriated for Saint Andrew, seen more so in the Anglican tradition.  The crest is a Golden Retriever bearing a shotgun, something very personal for the armiger.  

Arms:  Per chevron gules and barry wavy argent and azure, in chief a demi sun in splendor or and in base an anchor of the fourth;

Crest:  On a wreath of argent and gules, a Golden Retriever passant gorged of a collar gules, in dexter paw a shotgun proper;

Motto:  "Fire When Ready."

NEHGS Committee on Heraldry

Arms of the NEHGS Committee on Heraldry

While the US does not have any arms granting authorities, there is, however, the oldest non-governmental heraldry organization known as the Committee on Heraldry which functions within the New England Historical and Genealogical Society (NEHGS) which is headquartered in Boston, MA.  The committee has recently launched a new website which announce's its charge:

The Committee on Heraldry was established in 1864, within the New England Historic Genealogical Society, to “collect and preserve information in regard to heraldry.” Dating back to the twelfth century, heraldry is the art of representing individuals and families with particular symbols and colors arranged on and around a shield (a “coat of arms”) or other conventional shape. Because heraldry has been used for centuries to identify individuals and families, it can be vitally important for genealogical research. Yet beyond their genealogical value, heraldic arts from every era are well worthy of study and appreciation. Heraldry can be found abundantly on gravestones, seals, portraits, embroideries, and countless monuments and buildings, in every European country and in every land colonized by Europeans, including the United States. Since 1864 the Committee on Heraldry has been collecting information on American colonists and modern Americans with coats of arms, as well as on the use of heraldry and heraldic artifacts in the United States and her colonial predecessors. This website provides information on the Committee and its projects, an index to the Roll of Arms of colonists or early immigrants with proved hereditary arms, and information and forms for registering or recording coats of arms with the Committee.

My arms were officially enrolled with the Committee on 2 September 2014.  I am quite excited to have my arms registered here.

New Arms

Private Commission, Copyright 2014.

I recently completed a new achievement of arms for a close friend of mine.  While I'm only displaying his crest, the full blazon reads:

Arms:  Gules, on a pale azure fimbriated argent three escallops of the third enfiled with as many vidame coronets or;

Crest:  On a wreath of argent and gules, a lamb rampant gorged of a vidame's coronet or holding in dexter arm a market stick proper erect with crook facing sinister and on sinister arm an eschuteon of the first thereupon a Chi Rho of the second;

Motto:  "From Strength to Strength."

The new armiger is a devout Christian who adores the image of Christ the Good Shepherd, which really helped me design a crest befitting great meaning for him.  The market stick is a lovely example of how a shepherd's tool (and also a great walking stick for support) can be incorporated along with the Shield of Constantine.  I think the crest creates a compelling image of a pilgrim preparing for battle with instruments of love and compassion.

The vidame's coronet creates a nice symbol for lay Christians.  

Commission for New Arms

Private commission, by the Author.  

Copyright 2014.

Arms:  Azure, semé of Masonic compasses erect Argent, a dexter hand couped erect of the second;

Crest:  On a wreath Argent and Azure, a Black Labrador head erased gorged of a collar Or clutching in its jaws a glove of the first;

Motto: "My Soul is Resilient."

A friend of mine asked if I would devise arms for him, and of course I jumped at the chance.  The design came to mind rather quickly, which surprised me.  These are classic canting arms as the hand is a pun on the armiger's surname.  The armiger is a Mason and I thought of a way to incorporate the compass from the Masonic symbol in a pattern, or seme.  I think they came out rather nicely!  The crest was also fun, as the armiger loves his Black Lab.  In the dog's mouth is a white glove, apparently another symbol found in Masonry.  The motto was a collaborative effort and accurately portrays the armiger's war cry.  He loves it and so do I.   

The Arms of Chad Michael Krouse

The arms of Chad Michael Krouse, copyright 2014.

Digital artwork by Steve Cowan, July 2014.

After months, and I mean months, of going back and forth over a design for arms, I finally have resolution. With the careful eye of Canadian heraldic artist, Steve Cowan, we designed the above escutcheon to impart something meaningful about me.  Steve was a treat to work with, and I highly recommend him.  The dogwood flowers, depicted as proper, represent the official flower of the Commonwealth of Virginia--my adopted state.  The Cross of Saint Chad is a pun on my name, as Saint Chad is also my patron saint.  The three bars, barry wavy, reflect my love of the water (especially fishing).  Fishing, my mid-life crisis hobby, was something I wanted to incorporate and had a few designs with fish hooks in saltire.

The Blazon

Arms:  Per chevron Gules and barry wavy Argent and Azure, 

in chief two dogwood flowers (cornus florida) proper and in base a cross of Saint Chad of the first; 

Crest:  On a wreath of Gules and Argent, a Cardinal's head (cardinalis cardinalis) erased clutching in its beak a Madonna lilly (lilium candidum) seeded proper;

Motto:  Ich Mache Recht.

My arms on a lozenge for my daughter.

Painted by Ceilidh Burdick, Ealeroi Studios, July 2014.

For some reason, it's always harder to create something for yourself as opposed to someone else.  Below is a colored pencil drawing of my complete achievement of arms.  I mistakenly opted for azure in the wreath and mantling.  It is blazoned, now, for gules (red).    

Achievement of arms, Chad Michael Krouse.

Colored pencil, by the author.  2014.

Since I had settled on the crest and motto long before the shield, I wanted to make certain that the final design worked in harmony with everything.  I believe this was achieved.  It is interesting to note that a lot of friends (Facebook) thought it looked off balance.  One even went so far as to suggest it looked like a crazy wrestling mask!  So it remains a fundamental truth that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  For prior thoughts on the motto and crest, click here.

Early drafts in colored pencil.

Here's an example of some of the earlier drafts which struggled to incorporate too much stuff.  The medieval canon of heraldry demands a noble simplicity for ease of identification--these miss the mark.  

First draft with shield divided "per chevron."

This next image represents the first time I divided the shield "per chevron" but still cluttered up the chief with three dogwoods.  Moreover, I made a poor attempt to place a charge upon a charge with no real distinction between the two.  This was when I started to see the fish hooks in saltire which do look sharp.  

Again, another bad attempt with the chief, but I rather liked the fish hooks in saltire.  It was a struggle to decide between the Cross of Saint Chad or the fish hooks.  The cross won!  

I'm glad that I went through this lengthy process of give and take.  It afforded me time to really flesh out what I wanted and how I wanted to be identified vis a vis coat armour.  I'm extremely happy with the final design and am ready to proudly display my arms.  

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Epilogue

It's now 2020, and looking back at this post has been touching, to say the least.  One critical thing to note, here, is that when the first emblazonment was completed, the wrong dogwood flower was used!  Yes, it's wrong!  The heraldic artist lives in Canada and had a Canadian version on his mind, which is completely understandable.  We made a quick update with the appropriate version for Virginia. 

  

The Arms of The Rev. Alfred Hope Patten

The arms of The Rev. A. Hope Patten as found on his bookplate.

As I was scanning old files on my computer, I came across this photograph of a bookplate belonging to The Rev. Alfred Hope Patten (1885-1958), the English priest who was the man behind the restoration of the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.  I honestly think I got this photograph from a book that was being auctioned off on eBay which explains the quality.  Note the use of two black tassels from the gallero.

Nulla Pallescere Culpa roughly translates to "To turn pale at no crime."

Click here to view my post of the heraldry at the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.  To gain some more insight into Fr. Patten's arms, I've copied them in pencil and added the appropriate tinctures.

Copy of the arms of The Rev. Alfred Hope Patten, drawn by the author in pencil.