This master’s thesis studies the falcon and its symbolic significance in the Italian Renaissance depictions. The people of that time saw in the animal the parables of virtue, good manners as well as weaknesses. In the Middle Ages the falcon's fearlessness represented the courage of the knights. In Christianity its fidelity and devotion to the falconer became a symbol for a devoted believer and even God. During the Renaissance the falcons symbolized authority, political power and the nobility of merchants and bankers. The image of the bird of prey had a deep-rooted symbolical meaning, which alluded to a man's high social status, aristocracy, well-mannered and faithful man or his nobility, honour and justice. With the falcon, Piero de Medici and Giorgio Cornaro, indicated their social position in the city. Piero chose the falcon as his representative animal. The bird of prey was a symbol of his legitimate succession, political influence and power. The falcon on Cornaros wrist was a metaphor for perseverance and the young man’s advancement in political circles. In accompanying verses of Alciatis emblem, the falcon represents someone who is noble and better in deeds than his peers. The bird of prey, in the impresa book, narrates an important historical event and nobility of the knight Riccardo Scellei.
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