Coat of arms of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth

The coat of arms of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth represented the union of the Crown of the Polish Kingdom and Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

While the coat of arms remained mostly unchanged throughout the Commonwealth's tenure, as different kings were elected it would be defaced with their personal arms and other features, such as the Order of the Golden Fleece (when the armiger was a member) or the Order of the White Eagle for later kings.

Modern reconstruction

Background The coat of arms of the Commonwealth combined the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which are depicted as follows:

During the Commonwealth, an inescutcheon contained the personal or family arms of the reigning monarch.

Insurrections During the January uprising a similar coat of arms was proposed for the restored Commonwealth, with Archangel Michael, the coat of arms of Ruthenia added as the third element. However, it was never officially introduced.

The coat of arms in various cities

See also Polish heraldry

Coat of arms of Lithuania Coat of arms of Poland

Notes

References