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"Eye-Plucking" on Medieval Heraldry

I've been touring the Czech Republic & I've noticed that some medieval shields have depictions of a bird plucking out an man's eye. (Cesky Krumlov castle, Sedleck Ossuary in Kutna Hora) Does anyone know the significance or history behind this? Thanks!


Gertie
Seattle, Washington 4/1/09
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4/15/09 10:03 AM
Patton
Prague
Posts: 51
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It's the Schwarzenberg family coat of arms - a noble Austrian family who, according to Wikipedia, owned much of southern Bohemia.


4/15/09 12:17 PM
Debbie
Sunnyvale, CA USA
Posts: 236
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The Schwarzenberg family is still alive and well in Czech Republic...they consider themselves Czech not Austrian...though have ties with the Austrian Habsbergs....the current Czech Foriegn Minister is Karl Schwarzenberg....And it is not a bird "Eye Plucking" but a raven ripping at a Turk's severed head...Adolf Schwarzenberg reduced the power of the Turks & the family wanted everyone to know it....Emperor Rudolf II added it to their family crest.


4/15/09 4:59 PM
Pamela
New York City (formerly Madison), NY USA
Posts: 2164
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Wow, I love what you can learn on the helpline! Pam