Abstract

In northern Italy during the 14th century, the imperial vicariate was represented in the settings and means typical of the exercise, display, and identification of power: palaces, banners, shields, sarcophagi, coins, and seals. Insofar as it drew its ultimate origin directly or indirectly from the imperial sphere, the privileged symbol for its recognition was an eagle spreading its wings. The eagle was continually represented not only by the holders of this institution, but also more simply by the advocates of the imperial side or by those who, by long tradition or political expediency, had entered into the sphere of the so-called Ghibelline side. Partially different in the first half of the 14th century was the situation in Milan, where depictions of the eagle were sporadic and sometimes supplanted by other modes. The reasons for this absence are to be found in the different relationship that the early Visconti Signoria had with the vicarial institution, in comparison with other contemporary experiences.