Gelre Armorial

The Gelre Armorial, an impressive medieval collection of coats-of-arms, was compiled before 1396 by Claes Heinenzoon, a herald in the service of the Duke of Guelders. Heinenzoon is also renowned for creating the Beyeren Armorial. This extensive compilation features around 1,800 coats-of-arms from across Europe, making it a crucial resource for medieval heraldry enthusiasts.

The original manuscript of the Gelre Armorial can be found in the Royal Library of Belgium. Additionally, there exists a notable copy made around 1500 by Cornelis Enghebrechtsz, which is housed in the library of the Hoge Raad van Adel (High Council of Nobility). Between 1880 and 1905, Victor Bouton produced 60 hand-colored copies of this armorial, further preserving its historical significance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Gelre Armorial is that it contains the earliest known colored depiction of the Danish king's association with the red flag featuring a white cross, known today as the Dannebrog. This historic image appears on folio 55v, accompanied by the text "die coninc van denmarke" which translates to "the king of Denmark."