From the era known as the renaissance through to the 19th century, wall hangings often had an architectural theme and depicted famous castles and palaces.  The wealthy often commissioned tapestries to reflect their status on the social scale and wall hangings were woven to display family Coat of Arms and their impressive great houses.  Much of the woven artwork in this category represents some of the most beautiful chateaux on the Loire, France.  Some of the tapestries offer a glimpse into the royal palaces of Louis XIV such as Bellevue and Versailles.  Heraldry was the name given to the use of armorial bearings but often called “arms”.  Arms were emblems used by knights and placed on their shields and armour to enable their followers to recognise them and not be mistaken as the enemy during battle.