Gilles le Bouvier

Gilles le Bouvier was a French herald in the 15th century, known for his extensive travels across Europe. He meticulously recorded the coats of arms he encountered in various countries, including France, England, Scotland, and Germany. His work, the Armorial de Berry, compiled around 1445, serves as a valuable historical document of heraldry during that period.1

Heraldry itself is the art and science of devising, displaying, and recording armorial insignia and genealogies. It became prominent among European nobility in the 13th century, with coats of arms displayed on shields and later on helmets. Heralds were originally messengers between armies but evolved into experts in armorial history and genealogy, formally announcing tournaments and becoming associated with noble houses.23