Relief

The Della Rena family were nobles from Prato, just outside Florence. The family occupied various administrative positions at the Medici court and this coat of arms (stemma) was displayed prominently above the door of their villa.

Stemme (pl) such as this were a visible sign of status and ownership. Designs could take many forms but normally consisted of a central shield which was decorated in line with a family or individual's heraldic tradition, in this case in azure (blue) with a barrulet between three stars. In general, coats of arms showed a person’s rank, dignity, title and jurisdiction but in this instance also highlights family and group identity.