The new coat of arms of the Italian Navy
The first version of the coat of arms was approved in 1941, but remained unused until 1947. Thanks to Enrico De Nicola, the Savoy and fascist symbols were removed and the new coat of arms was used until 2012. In that year I participated in the renewal of the coat of arms in collaboration with the heraldist Michele D'Andrea. My role was the vectorization of the new emblem, keeping the original concept.
The coat of arms consists of a shield divided into four quarters, each of which represents the symbols of the most important maritime republics: the lion of San Marco of Venice, the red cross of Genoa, the octagonal cross of Amalfi and the Pisan cross on a red background. Above the shield is a naval crown, which the Roman senate bestowed upon victorious commanders in naval battles.
The renewed coat of arms has a more modern and refined look. The lion of San Marco has acquired more herculean features, with a voluminous mane, powerful legs and a less rigid tail. The halo, the sea, the land and the book underneath the lion's paw have also been redesigned.
In the crown, the ship bows have been given volume. The side towers show greater three-dimensionality and more faithfully represent the side view of the wooden castle of the Roman military ships.
