Dr. Antonio Salmeron

The new October edition of Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette, the official journal of the Genealogical Society of Ireland (GSI), has been published. The front page features an article on the 35^th anniversary of the GSI’s foundation, congratulations!, together with the renewal of the Honorary Herald appointment and information about the upcoming lecture on Artificial Intelligence in genealogical research.

As the Honorary Herald of the Genealogical Society of Ireland, I have cohosted alongside Laura Price, MGSI, the Annual Heraldry Ireland Lecture by Martin S. J. Goldstraw, director of The Armorial Register.

Introduction to the speaker and his lecture

Welcome to the Genealogical Society of Ireland's Annual Heraldry Ireland Lecture, «Do It Yourself Heraldry - The Design, Assumption, and Registration of Armorial Bearings» presented by Mr. Martin Goldstraw of the Armorial Register.

In many countries around the world, such as Ireland, the United States, Italy, and Spain, citizens are free to assume their own coat of arms. There are usually few restrictions on assuming a coat of arms, for example, the design must follow the rules of heraldry, one cannot copy another person's coat of arms, or it cannot contain illegal symbols in that country.

Thanks to this, we can all have our own coat of arms, allowing us to use the symbolic and communicative power of heraldry to identify and empower ourselves. In this way, many people around the world, of all ages and backgrounds, assume their coat of arms, and this is happening with a growing trend due to the spread of heraldry through the internet and social networks.

The heraldry, which has distilled a written and artistic language over centuries that allows us to project our identity with prestige, clarity, universality, and permanence, reaches us in this third millennium full of strength and freshness, and, therefore, the assumption of a coat of arms uses to be a source of joy for individuals and their families.

Today, on May 9^th, we celebrate Peace and Unity Day in Europe, and we have chosen this day because heraldry is a common heritage of all Europeans, which we have taken with us around the world and that especially unites us. This is because there is more visual and spoken proximity between the painted and written blazons of European countries than between their own languages, such as French, English, Spanish, Italian... for example, notice the closeness between «d'or, au lion rampant de gueules», «Or, a lion rampant Gules», «de oro, un león rampante de gules», «d'oro, al leone rampante di rosso»,... and we will all see the same: a red lion, rising and roaring on a golden field.

And now, without further ado, let us introduce our magnificent guest for this very special day: Mr. Martin Goldstraw is the author and illustrator of the Cheshire Heraldry website and the books Cheshire Heraldry, The Visitations of 1533 to 1580. He is also one of the two Directors and a founder of the publishing company The Armorial Register Ltd. And his lectures are engaging and highly informative.

The 2023 Annual Journal of the Genealogical Society of Ireland has been published, spanning 144 pages, familyhistory.ie. Kudos to Laura Price, MGSI, Director of Special Collections, Research and Specialist Groups (Heraldry Ireland and Vexillology Ireland), along with her Select Committee, for curating an outstanding edition filled with articles on genealogy, heraldry, vexillology, and more. Barry O'Connor, FGSI, Director of Membership Services, has distributed this Annual Journal to all members and it has also been sent to Copyright Libraries across Ireland and the United Kingdom.

I'm delighted to see the «Examples of Assumed Arms» section featuring 4 coats of arms designed and emblazoned by me. Thank you very much; it's truly an honor!

From February 2, 2024, to February 2, 2025, have been published 18 issues of the Commoners' Roll of Arms of the International Society of Commoners Heraldry, with the latest being the most comprehensive, featuring 286 pages that include 418 coats of arms for individuals and 9 for entities, 95 heraldic badges, 70 standards, 31 flags, 317 written blazons, 72 heraldic artists, 37 heraldists, 48 heraldic jurisdictions, 43 cited authorities, certifiers, and registers, as well as 211 certifications issued for individuals and 8 for entities.

I am editor of 18 issues of the «Commoners' Roll of Arms» of the International Society of Commoners Heraldry, with the last issue comprising 286 pages, from February 2, 2024, to February 2, 2025.

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I am a member as a heraldic artist of the Society of Heraldic Arts having passed their artistic selection tests.

Probably, I have had the honor of being the first Spanish artist accepted within it and, perhaps, the first of all in the Spanish-speaking world.

Within the Society of Heraldic Arts, there are two different classes of members:

• those who are professionals in the various expressive forms of heraldic art, such as:
  • heraldic painting and drawing and, as a heraldic artist, I am a member within this category,
  • calligraphy,
  • ex libris engraved or delineated,
  • illustration and illumination of documents,
  • heraldic craftsmen of stone, wood, glass, or plaster.
  • heraldic jewelry and seal making, etc.
• and those who:
  • aspire to become professionals in heraldic art, or
  • are passionate about heraldry without necessarily practicing heraldic art.

Five college degrees from four different universities and a long experience serving patrons from different cultures and traditions is the base of my heraldic practice. My wide range of knowledge and broad praxis are factors of my exuberant creativity. With a blend of strict adherence to tradition whilst hand drawing and an artistic combination of digital imaging procedures, I astoundingly «brings symbols to life».

My artistic style combines hand and digital process and could be drawn with 3 terms: clear, symbolic and methodical.

Clear because his creations transmit energy and vital force to the owner, he believe that a coat of arms should be a source of light and joy and an expression of freedom.

Symbolic because a coat of arms must be a representation of its bearer, his/her ideals, goals, motivations or history.

Finally, my heraldic creation methodology is founded on the science of heraldry and is a guarantee of a professional work.

Bernard Juby has written an book about modern-day, world-wide heraldic bookplate artists, their cv's and examples of their work, and he include 7 illustrations of book plates created by me and my curriculum vitae, [Juby, B.; 2019; pages 51-53].

Heraldisch Tijdschrift is the bulletin of the Dutch Genealogical Society - Heraldic Division. Bernard Grothues, his heraldic copywriter, has written an article about me for the number 4 of July-August of 2019, and 3 coats of arms created by me and 3 emblazoned be me appear on its cover. [Grothues, B.; 2019; pages 51-53].

I have received my certificate of Fellowship of the Genealogical Society of Ireland, thank you very much to the Board of Directors of the GSI, this has been an honor for me.

Dr. Charles A. Gauci, Chief Herald of Arms of Malta, and Chev. Raymond M. Cassar, Registrar of the Office, «The Register of Arms, Volume 1 (2019–2024)», edited by Maria Muscat and Godwin Vella, design by Pierre Balzia, photography by Pierre Balzia and Daniel Cilia, illustrated by Kimberly Azzopardi, technical support by George Agius and Russell Muscat, published by Heritage Malta Publishing, printed by Print It Printing Services Ltd, dimensions 25 × 17.5 centimetres, ISBN 978-9918-627-42-4, 264 pages, hardback, Valletta, 2025.

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Contents

This book is the first official and systematic compilation of contemporary Maltese heraldry since the establishment of Malta’s heraldic authority. It therefore marks a milestone by offering, for the first time, a complete register of coats of arms granted or registered under Maltese jurisdiction.

Its pages document the illustrated personal arms of 133 armigers, officially granted or registered, as well as the heraldic blazons of another 70, including: standards, heraldic badges, hereditary honours, genealogy of some of the holders, the description of certain symbolic elements of the arms and a repertory of mottos and war cries.

Among the armigers included are both private citizens and personalities of significance, including the former President of Malta, George Vella, and Archbishop Charles Scicluna. The volume also includes arms of applicants from all over the world and of various entities.

Coats of arms interpreted by me in this book

The image above shows 2 photographs used by Heritage Malta for the presentation of this book. I have had the honour that in the interior photograph of the volume 2 pages are shown in which the 2 coats of arms are illustrated by me, the second of them accompanied by its heraldic standard, its badge and its pennon, all three also illustrated by me.

Within this book, illustrations by me can be found on 39 pages, which are the following: 65, 68, 77, 79, 86, 95, 97, 102, 104, 106, 107, 110, 111, 112, 116, 117, 119, 121, 122, 158, 161, 167, 168, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 181, 186, 189, 191, 193, 199, 203, 209 and 212.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Classification: De bibliotheca, English language and In color.

Authors: Gauci, Charles A. and Cassar, Raymond M..

The following articles cite this bibliographic reference:

• Grant G0113 for Randy Potts
• Grant G0113 for Randy Potts, badge
• Grant G0113 for Randy Potts, badge, banner and standard
• Grant G0113 for Randy Potts, banner of arms
• Grant G0113 for Randy Potts, standard

Internal resources: 2 copies of the physical paper book.

I am:

• Heraldic artist and member of the Society of Heraldic Arts.
• Fellow and Honorary Herald of the Genealogical Society of Ireland.
• Official artist for the Office of the Chief Herald of Arms of Malta.
• Official expert witness in heraldry for the Courts of Justice of the Kingdom of Spain.
• Member of The Heraldry Society.
• Honoured member of The International Heraldry Society.
• Heraldic artist member of Heralds International.
• Correspondent fellow of the Asturian Academy of Heraldry and Genealogy.
• Correspondent fellow of the Institute of Historical Research Bances y Valdés, Principality of Asturias.
• Correspondent fellow of the Academia de Letras e Artes da Guiné-Bissau.
• Honorary pursuivant of arms extraordinary of the Heraldry Society of Africa.

The Board of Directors of the Genealogical Society of Ireland has appointed me to the position of Honorary Herald, which has been an honor for me. Thank you very much!.

Thank you very much to the Board of Directors of the Genealogical Society of Ireland this has been an honor for me. Resolution 22/11/1703: «...the Board appoints Dr. Antonio Salmerón Cabañas of Madrid, Spain, to the position of Honorary Herald of the Genealogical Society of Ireland and, ...the Honorary Herald shall be an ex-officio member of the College of Fellows... Dr Salmerón Cabañas is a noted expert on heraldry, a renowned heraldic artist, and a member of the Society of Heraldic Arts. He is also an expert witness on heraldic matters for the Courts of Justice of the Kingdom of Spain...».

My sincere thanks to the Genealogical Society of Ireland and its Board for this renewed honor and trust.

«The Board of Directors of the Genealogical Society of Ireland unanimously voted to reappoint Dr Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, SHA, FGSI, of Madrid, Spain, to the position of Honorary Herald of the Society for a second three-year term at its monthly meeting held on Thursday 2^nd October 2025 (Res: 25/10/1949). Dr Salmerón has been the Honorary Herald of the Society since 2022 and represents the Society in Spain where he is also an expert witness in heraldic matters to the courts of the Kingdom of Spain. A lecturer, author, a widely respected heraldist and a renowned heraldic artist, Dr Salmerón has guided the development of the Society’s Specialist Branch, Heraldry Ireland, and advised the Board on heraldic matters generally, including on the Society’s National Heraldic Survey...» familyhistory.ie, facebook.com/heraldry.ireland.

Many thanks to the Genealogical Society of Ireland, familyhistory.ie, for referencing on page 4 of Ireland's Genealogical Gazette, volume 20, number 1, my book titled «Interpretation of Six Family Coats of Arms from the Southern Indies, South America, Granted Between 1538 and 1540», [Salmerón Cabañas, A.; 2024b], which I have presented to the Society's Archive & Research Centre.

I have been cited as Honoray Herald and Fellow of the Genealogical Society of Ireland in «Irish Roots», issue 124, page 15, ISSN 0791-6329, Blessington, Ireland, December of 2022.

Lozengy Or and Gules. Behind the shield a cross patty Gules.

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Classification: Religious, Military, Knights Templar, Interpreted, Doctor, Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Bearer: Craon, Robert de.

Or, a chief Gules. Behind the shield a cross patty Gules.

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Classification: Religious, Military, Knights Templar, Interpreted, Doctor, Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Bearer: Tremelay, Bernard de.

Azure, two barbels addorsed Argent. Behind the shield an eight-pointed cross patty Gules.

I have had the honour of writing this article about André de Montbard and its coat of arms within a series of 23 articles about the heraldry of the Grand Masters of the Temple.

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Classification: Religious, Military, Knights Templar, Interpreted, Doctor, Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Bearer: Montbard, André de.

Argent, a cross Azure. Behind the shield a cross patty Gules.

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Classification: Religious, Military, Knights Templar, Interpreted, Doctor, Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Bearer: Hérail, Gilbert.

Vair. Behind the shield an eight-pointed cross patty Gules.

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Classification: Religious, Military, Knights Templar, Interpreted, Doctor, Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Bearer: Vichiers, Renaud de.

Michael Merrigan, MA, FGSI, «Heraldry and Marriage Equality», Annual Journal of the Genealogical Society of Ireland, volume 25, pages 157 to 164 ISSN 2712-0228, familyhistory.ie, Published by the Genealogical Society of Ireland, Dublin, December of 2019.

The 2024 Annual Journal of the Genealogical Society of Ireland has been published, spanning 186 pages, familyhistory.ie. This Annual Journal has been delivered to all members and deposited in the Copyright Libraries across Ireland and the United Kingdom.

It includes the article «Heraldry and Marriage Equality» by Michael Merrigan, MA, FGSI, on pages 157 to 164, where, alongside Martin Goldstraw, JP, FRSA, I have had the honor of being cited, along with 2 coats of arms designed by me.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Classification: Article, English language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Author: Merrigan, Michael.

External resource:

• familyhistory.ie journals.

Internal resources: 20241202.JournalGenealogicalSocietyIreland.2024.pdf Annual Journal and 20241202.JournalGenealogicalSocietyIreland.2024.pag.157.164.pdf Article.

Supporting document illustrating my proposal, pages 4 and 5.

I have made a suggestion to the Lexicography Institute of the Royal Spanish Academy regarding the heraldic term «pira» in the Dictionary of the Spanish Language. I drafted a document that justified my suggestion, illustrated it, and proposed two ways to refine its definition within the Dictionary. I am honored that they have accepted my proposal and chosen the first of the alternative definitions I suggested. The following images are some of those I used to illustrate the supporting document.

Schema.

Delineation.

Coats of arms of the Burr, Osona, Gangoiti and Egado lineages.

I used the following bibliographical references [Académie internationale d'héraldique; 1952], [Arco y García, F. del; 1996a], [Avilés, J.; 1725a], [Avilés, J.; 1780a], [Cadenas y Vicent, V. de; 1987], [Cadenas y Vicent, V. de; 1975], [Cadenas y Vicent, V. de; 2002], [Messía de la Cerda y Pita, L.; 1990], and [Messía de la Cerda y Pita, L.; 1980].

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Categories: Schema, Ratio, Outlined, Outlined in sable, Illuminated, Semi-circular and Doctor.

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «Design of the coats of arms o-XI, o-IX, o-XX with their crest, supporters, flags, seals and blazons», paintings registered in the Intellectual Property Registry of Madrid, 28 pages with 47 illustrations, of coats of arms and other heraldic objects, request code M-1394-14, registration number 16/2014/2330, Madrid, 25^th of February of 2014.

In this registration are the illustrations from my book [Salmerón Cabañas, A.; 2014b] titled «The Book of the Coat of Arms of Wolves Sable and Unicorns Argent».

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Author: Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

Bibliographical reference mentioned in the following article:

• Salmerón Cabañas, A.; 2014b

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «The Book of the Coat of Arms of Wolves Sable and Unicorns Argent», Ediciones aContracorriente, first edition, ISBN 978-84-941511-8-7, Madrid, 2014.

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The chapters of this book are organized to systematically record all information regarding the creation of a coat of arms and its variants, from its initial conception to its various final interpretations, through intermediate designs, their uses, meanings, registration, communication, and even their different imaginary and artistic recreations.

The chapters are as follows:

• On the ideation and creation of a coat of arms, its derived versions, and other complements.
• On the ideation and creation of a first ornament and its possible enhancements.
• On the ideation and creation of a second and definitive ornament for the coat of arms.
• On designing acts of manifestation, documents, and heraldic frames based on the coat of arms.
• On the meaning of different elements and the symbolism within the coat of arms.
• On the records of the coat of arms and its public communication.
• On the certifications of the coat of arms.
• An imaginary history about the evolution of the coat of arms over the centuries.
• An artistic recreation of the journey back from the future to the past.
• Covering various subsequent and prior variations and combinations.
• Covering other interpretations of the same blazon made by different heraldic masters.

My intellectual property of the illustrations in this book is registered in [Salmerón Cabañas, A.; 2014a].

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Author: Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

Bibliographical reference mentioned in the following article:

• Salmerón Cabañas, A.; 2014a

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «Coat of arms and heraldic creation between April 2014 and March 2015», paintings registered in the Registry of Intellectual Property of Madrid, with 126 illustrations, 16 black and white and 110 color, of coats of arms and other heraldic objects, including my pseudonym without anonymity «a Unicorn per saltire Or and Sable, salient and the motto ASC Sable», 30 pages with 126 illustrations, 16 black and white and 110 color, request code M-001674-2015, registration number 16/2015/2546, Madrid, 9^th of March of 2015.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Author: Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

Bibliographic reference mentioned in the following articles:

• B. Quesada, coat of arms with motto and support
• Categories of heraldry
• Pseudonym without anonymity
• Quesada Valles, Bartolomé

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «Coat of arms and heraldic creation between April 2015 and December 2016», paintings registered in the Intellectual Property Registry of Madrid, with 299 illustrations, 4 black and white and 295 color, of coats of arms and other heraldic objects, 88 pages request code M-008058/2016, registration number 16/2017/2707, Madrid, 15^th of December of 2016.

In this body of work, I have focused on capturing the essence of heraldry, balancing historical accuracy with artistic interpretation. Each illustration is a reflection of my passion for heraldic art, meticulously crafted to bring centuries-old traditions to life in a modern context.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Author: Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

Bibliographic reference mentioned in the following articles:

• Enrique Fernández Marqués, crest and supporters
• Fernández Marqués, Enrique, Coat of Arms

Registration and coats of arms of the 2^nd page

Coats of arms of the pages 3 and 4

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «Coat of arms and heraldic creation between January 2017 and November 2017», paintings registered in the Intellectual Property Registry of Madrid, 116 pages with 474 color illustrations of coats of arms and other heraldic objects, request code M-008097/2017, registration number 16/2018/2136, Madrid, 18^th of December of 2017.

In this collection, I showcase a range of my unique heraldic designs, each embodying a distinct narrative and artistic vision. My works demonstrate my expertise in blending traditional heraldry with contemporary aesthetics, highlighting my commitment to preserving the artistry of heraldry while infusing it with modern creativity.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Author: Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

Registration and coats of arms of the 2^nd page

Coat of arms of the pages 113 and 114

Coat of arms of the pages 115 and 116

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «Heraldry of all Grand Masters», Templar Circle Digital Magazine of the O.T.H. of the Kingdom of Spain, pages 14 and 15, year 2, number 26, Cordoba, October of 2020.

Or, six annulets Gules, 3, 2, and 1. Behind the shield an eight-pointed cross patty Gules.

Knights Templar, Grand Master number 17

I have had the honour of writing this article about Richard de Bures and his coat of arms within a series of 23 articles about the heraldry of the Grand Masters of the Temple.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Classification: Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

The author is Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

Internal resources: 20201031.CirculoTemplarioRevista.26.Asc.pdf edition in PDF format.

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Classification: Religious, Military, Knights Templar, Interpreted, Doctor, Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Bearer: Richard, Richard.

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «Heraldry of all Grand Masters», Templar Circle Digital Magazine of the O.T.H. of the Kingdom of Spain, pages 27 and 28, year 2, number 29, Cordoba, February of 2020.

Barry of four per pale counterchanged Or and Gules. Behind the shield a cross patty Gules.

Knights Templar, Grand Master number 06

I have had the honour of writing this article about Bertrand de Blanchefort and his coat of arms within a series of 23 articles about the heraldry of the Grand Masters of the Temple.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Classification: Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Author: Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

Internal resources: 20210214.CirculoTemplarioRevista.29.pdf edition in PDF format.

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Classification: Religious, Military, Knights Templar, Interpreted, Doctor, Article, Castilian language and Black and white and color illustrations.

Bearer: Blanchefort, Bertrand de.

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «Coat of arms and heraldic creation between December 2017 and December 2023», paintings registered in the Intellectual Property Registry of Madrid, 72 pages with 237 color illustrations of coats of arms, insignias, banners, step-by-step schemes for the creation of coats of arms, decorations and collars of chivalric orders, and design of certificates, request code M-000530/2024, registration number 16/2024/2372, Madrid, 19^th of January of 2024.

In this extensive six-year compilation, I have meticulously selected works that represent my heraldic artistry. This period allowed me to delve deeper into the intricacies of heraldic design, culminating in a collection that not only showcases my growth as an artist but also the evolution and diversity of heraldic traditions.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Author: Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

Antonio Salmerón Cabañas, «Interpretation of Six Family Coats of Arms from the Southern Indies Granted between 1538 and 1540», with the original coats of arms from the armorial grants, illustrated shields and step-by-step explanations of the interpretation process following the rules of heraldry, published by Ediciones aContracorriente, aFondo Collection, legal deposit M-23997-2024, ISBN 978-84-941511-7-0, Madrid, 2024.

Contents

• Prologue: Six coats of arms, page 9.
• Peru: New Castile, page 11.
• Geometry: Classical, page 13.
• Blazon i: Alonso Sánchez, conquistador in the province of Peru, coat of arms granted in 1538, page 19.
• Blazon ii: Juan de Argüello, alderman of Popayán and conquistador in Quito, coat of arms granted in 1538, page 29.
• Blazon iii: Juan Barbarán, commander and lieutenant of Pizarro, coat of arms granted in 1539, page 41.
• Blazon iv: Cristóbal Bernal, for his services aiding Pizarro, coat of arms granted in 1539, page 49.
• Blazon v: Diego Rodríguez de Figueroa, conquistador and pacifier of Cuzco, coat of arms granted in 1540, page 57.
• Blazon vi: Baltasar García, pacifier of Puerto Viejo in Peru, coat of arms granted in 1540, page 65.
• Appendix i: Bibliography, page 77.
• Appendix ii: Illustrations, page 83.
• Appendix iii: Vocabulary, page 93.

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Bibliographical reference of century XXI.

Classification: Armorial roll, In color and Castilian language.

The author is Salmerón Cabañas, Antonio.

The following article cites this bibliographic reference:

• Ireland's Genealogical Gazette, volume 20, number 1, page 4

Internal resources: IndiasCyA.20241108.pdf PDF Format and Physical book on paper.

Conference by Francisco Domingo Larrosa Gil, «The Administration House of the Pious Foundations of Cardinal Belluga y Moncada in the Town o f Dolores», sponsored by the University of Alicante, Archbishop Loazes Chair, Orihuela University Venue, coordinated by Dr. Gregorio Canales Martínez, Academic Coordinator of the Chair.

The main objective of the conference was to analyze and identify the coats of arms present on the façade of the former Administration House of the Pious Foundations of Cardinal Belluga y Moncada, located in the town of Dolores, Alicante. Through a historical and heraldic approach, the evolution of the property and changes in its ownership were detailed. Initially, the arms of the first Count of Pinohermoso, Juan Nepomuceno Mariano Roca de Togores y Escorcia, 1752–1794, who acquired the building after its disentailment, were identified. His coat of arms, featuring the cross of the Order of Malta, confirms his connection to this order as a Knight of the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta. This emblem does not appear in subsequent armorial bearings of holders of this title, securing its identification as belonging to the building's first noble owner. The transition of the property from its original association with Cardinal Belluga y Moncada to the House of the Marquisate of Rafal was then highlighted, possibly acquired by Antonia María de Heredia y Rocamora, 8^th Marchioness of Rafal, or her son, Vicente Melo de Portugal y Heredia, 9^th Marquis of Rafal, between the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. Subsequently, the property was sold in 1927 to a merchant known as Don Juan del Arroz and, finally, demolished in 1960.

In the image, two photos of armorial stones from the Roca-Togores lineage and two delineations made by me, extracted from these armorial stones, which were presented during the conference.

I hold a PhD cum laude, a Masters degree, a Specialization and an Academic Grade from four different universities:

• Doctor and Graduate by the Technical University of Madrid (UPM),
• Master by the IESE at the University of Navarra (UNAV),
• University Specialist by the Department of Private Law of the University of Burgos (UBU), and
• University Graduated by the Catholic University San Antonio.

A page of the Volume IV of the Armorial Register

Volume IV of the Armorial Register is now available! It contains 212 pages and 271 full-colour images of armorial bearings registered in accordance with the laws of heraldry, together with biographies, design rationale, history and context. Compiled and edited by Martin S. J. Goldstraw, the book is deposited in libraries such as the Bodleian Library (Oxford), Cambridge, Trinity College Dublin, among others. You can order it here: armorialregister.com/heraldry-register-v4.html.

Among the coats of arms featured in this volume are several painted by me, including the arms of Antonio Ruiz Porras shown in the image.

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Categories: Armorial roll and Doctor.

External links:

• Volume IV of the Armorial Register.
• Antonio Ruiz Porras.

Root: The Armorial Register.

I have presented the lecture entitled «Arms of Women: Contemporary Coats of Arms of Women Around the World» at the I Congress of Emblematics, in homage and remembrance of Faustino Menéndez Pidal de Navascués, organized by the Real Asociación de Hidalgos de España, with the collaboration of the Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía, the Instituto Internacional de Genealogía y Heráldica and the participation of the Fundación Hispano Británica.

This lecture was delivered in Spanish, but I also prepared an English version of the presentation slides.

In this lecture I present coats of arms currently in use by women from different countries, including the United States, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico and Mexico. These are, for the most part, newly created coats of arms, conceived under the guidance of their bearers and painted entirely by me. Each of them reflects values, principles, life paths and cultural roots, demonstrating the expressive vitality of heraldry in the 21^st century.

For this work I begin from a critical and, at the same time, hopeful reflection, inspired by the words that Don Faustino Menéndez Pidal de Navascués wrote in 2014 at the end of his book «Los emblemas heráldicos: novecientos años de historia», where he stated that «the heraldic system today is not alive, integrated into society; the roots of its integration have dried up» [Menéndez Pidal de Navascués, F.; 2014a; page 494]. In contrast to this observation, this lecture proposes that, over the last decade, from 2015 onwards, there has been a visible revival of contemporary heraldry, fostered by the Internet and social networks, new technologies and the universalization of access to media.

In this context, I consider that heraldry reappears as a symbol of identity in a changing world, as memory in the face of oblivion and as a tool for personal expression and transcendence.

In conclusion, the lecture «Arms of Women» thus seeks to be a respectful homage to the work and thought of Menéndez Pidal de Navascués, and a concrete demonstration of how contemporary female heraldry contributes today to keeping the heraldic system alive.

As could not be otherwise, all the illustrations in this lecture have been created by me.