Challenge No. 2: John Paul Jones Coat of Arms

Virginia Lowell (dates unknown), Coat of arms (John Paul Jones). America, early 20th century. Ink, watercolors, on paper; H. 13 1/2 in., W. 10 1/2 in. framed; H. 12 3/4 in., W. 9 3/4 in. (sight). Portsmouth Historical Society (acc. no. 100).

This coat of arms was copied by Virginial Lowell from an image on file at the Masonic Library in Boston. A coat of arms was meant to tell the history and achievements of a family with images and symbols. John Paul Jones’ arms, therefore, have a lot of military and nautical symbols. The animals that look like furry fish on either side of the shield are supposed to be dolphins! Apparently, the original artist had never seen one, and this sea monster was the result!

Draw your own coat of arms, and tell us about the symbols. Or maybe create a sea monster!