Ana Martín García

La identidad salesiana a partir de la Heráldica Eclesiástica. Origen, composición, figuras y lema del escudo de la Congregación Salesiana (1884)

Introduction

La identidad salesiana a partir de la heráldica eclesiástica. Origen, composición, figuras y lema del escudo de la congregación salesiana (1884). Explora la identidad salesiana a través de su escudo (1884). Análisis de Heráldica Eclesiástica, origen y simbolismo de la iconografía oficial de la Congregación de Don Bosco.

Abstract

Desde una perspectiva historiográfica, el escudo de la Congregación Salesiana no ha sido estudiado dentro de la disciplina de la Historia del Arte. En este contexto surge esta investigación, que aborda la primera y única manifestación iconográfica con propósito identitario en los inicios de la Pia Società di San Francesco di Sales bajo la dirección de su Fundador, don Giovanni Bosco (1815-1888). Aunque el escudo fue diseñado veinticinco años después de la fundación de la Congregación (1859), incorporó figuras y elementos simbólicos importantes y se consolidó como una representación visual oficial dentro de la historia de la Heráldica Eclesiástica.

Review

The proposed article, "La identidad salesiana a partir de la Heráldica Eclesiástica. Origen, composición, figuras y lema del escudo de la Congregación Salesiana (1884)," presents a compelling and overdue contribution to the fields of art history, ecclesiastical studies, and institutional identity. The abstract effectively highlights a significant gap in scholarship, noting that the Salesian Congregation's shield, despite its foundational role as the *first and only* early iconographic manifestation of its identity, has been overlooked within Art History. This research thus promises to fill a crucial void by meticulously analyzing a key visual artifact designed under the direct guidance of Don Giovanni Bosco, offering fresh insights into how the nascent *Pia Società* articulated its self-perception and mission through symbolic imagery. A core strength of this study lies in its focused historiographical and art-historical approach, specifically directed at understanding the Salesian shield within the framework of Ecclesiastical Heraldry. The abstract details a comprehensive analytical scope, promising an exploration of the shield's origin, composition, constituent figures, and motto. By addressing a foundational visual element created a quarter-century after the Congregation's inception, the paper is poised to illuminate the deliberate choices made in constructing its public and internal identity, establishing it as an "official visual representation." This rigorous examination of early symbolism offers a rich understanding of the historical context surrounding the formation of one of the Catholic Church's most influential modern religious orders. This article holds significant promise for scholars interested in the visual culture of religious orders, the history of heraldry, and the broader study of institutional identity in the 19th century. While the abstract effectively outlines the foundational analysis, future directions could potentially explore the shield's reception or evolving interpretations within the Salesian community over time, if not implicitly covered by its consolidation as an official representation. Nevertheless, the research as outlined is robust, timely, and offers a much-needed interdisciplinary perspective. It is a highly relevant and recommended piece of scholarship that promises to deepen our understanding of Salesian identity through its visual heritage.

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