Renesansne ploče s grbovima Matijaša Korvina i Aragonaca iz nekadašnjega kaštela u Senju

Abstract

The paper discusses heraldic, cultural and art-historical aspects of two relief stone plaques from the former castle (Ožegovićianum) in Senj. Both plaques contain pairs of putti supporting leaf wreaths that surround specific heraldic representations. On the left panel it is the crowned coat of arms of the Neapolitan Aragon dynasty, recognizable by the characteristic alternation of fields with horizontal and vertical beams, stylized fleur-de-lis and multiple Jerusalem crosses. The more complex composition on the right plaque represents the Croatian-Hungarian lands under the rule of king Matthias Corvinus (Cluj-Napoca / Koloszvár, 1443. – Vienna, 1490; ruling: 1458-1490): its central place is occupied by a shield with four horizontal beams, surmounted by the royal crown and surrounded by six smaller coats of arms of Hungary (double cross); Dalmatia and Croatia (three crowned leopard heads); Beszterce (Bistriţa) County or the Bohemia (lion); the Hunyadi family (raven); Bulgaria or Slavonia (dog); and Galicia or Bosnia (crown). The arrangement and heraldic content of the coats of arms is identical to that of the so-called Second privy seal of Matthias Corvinus, of which an imprint in red wax is still kept in the City Museum in Senj. Given the above, the first coat of arms can be associated with Corvinus’ second wife, the Neapolitan princess Beatrice of Aragon (Naples, 1457-1508), whom the Hungarian-Croatian ruler married in 1476. This event also provides a firm terminus post quem for the Senj plaques, while their upper time limit is being determined by the Corvinus’ death in 1490. A comparative analysis of the Senj plaques (especially links with contemporary examples found in illuminated manuscripts) reveals their place in the context of the Pannonian Renaissance, testifying to the importance of Senj in the political and artistic topography of the Hungarian-Croatian Kingdom in the late 15th century.