Maxwell Family Coat of Arms
South African [?]: Late 19th Century
Watercolor and gouache on laid paper
Paper watermarked Michallet
17 x 12 inches, overall
$450
Maxwell Family Coat of Arms
Late 19th C. Watercolor on Paper
Late 19th C. Watercolor on Paper
Detail
 Detail |
 Full sheet including margins |
Family coat of arms for Maxwell, a traditional Scottish and Irish surname. Beneath a stag’s head, two stags hold a shield under a crown, supported by a rococo cartouche having the motto “Je Suis Pret” [I Am Ready] embellished with crossed laurel branches. The shield bears the original black diagonal cross used by a Maxwell chief in the twelfth century, though it also features three vertical black lines, signifying a later Maxwell family. The name “Maxwell” is displayed on a banner held by a sword below.
An old label accompanying the coat of arms indicates that it had been framed in Durban, South Africa, giving a possible clue to its origin.
Old label originally verso of frame: FROM/ SMITH & WINFIELD,/ Picture Frame Makers and/ Mount Cutters/ 380, West Street, Durban/ order 3/78
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall toning and scattered light foxing. Laid on cardboard backing, probably when issued, appears stable. Toning from former matting creating margins, in which there is some scattered book worm holes, all easily matted out.
Reference:
Maxwell, George Anthony. “Maxwell Heraldry.” Maxwell World Website. 2000. http://www.maxwellsociety.com/History/heraldry.htm (8 June 2004).