- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Joseph Frederick Laevens
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
May 20, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 501
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Sable a fess cotised on the lower edge Or, overall a triangle point in chief counterchanged all between in dexter chief a square Or and in base a bezant;
Crest
A polar bear passant Argent;
Motto
FREEDOM;
Flag
Sable a bezant within an orle Or;
Badge
On a bezant edged Sable a square also Sable bearing a bezant charged with a triangle point in chief Sable;
Symbolism
Arms
Black was chosen to indicate the absence of colour and the totality of all paint colours. Gold, an incorruptible metal and a transcendent colour, is emblematic of the artist’s creativity and creation. The forms were chosen to represent the essential shapes needed for art, indicating Mr. Laevens’ profession as an artist and the fact that he is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design (being the first in his family to have graduated from a post-secondary educational institution).
Crest
The polar bear was inspired by a favourite sculpture of Mr. Laevens’, Ours blanc by François Pompon (1855-1933).
Motto
FREEDOM was chosen by Mr. Laevens as a reference to the spirit of independence that motivated his ancestors.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 29, 2005, in Volume 139, page 3450 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert Black, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual