Crowns Ephemera Sheets
The crowns on these free printable collage sheets are what were called relief scraps. Relief scraps from printers in the late 19th and early 20th century refer to small printed images or designs used for various purposes, such as decorating printed materials like books, newspapers, and advertisements. You might remember these free butterfly collage sheets that I posted a while back. They were also made from relief scrap images.
Scroll down, and you’ll find three different sheets of crowns. The first sheet is of smaller crowns for you to cut up and use in collages and mixed media journals, etc. Of course, if you find those crowns are still too big for your use, you can always download the JPG version and resize it to suit your needs. The second and third sheets are made up of slightly larger crowns, but each of those sheets has a different assortment of crowns.
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The history and significance of crowns span across cultures, civilizations, and millennia, representing authority, divinity, and societal values. Crowns hold a unique place in human history as symbols of power and leadership. In ancient times, civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia used crowns made from precious metals and adorned with gemstones to signify rulers' connections to the divine. These early crowns often took the form of ornate headdresses with intricate designs, emphasizing the ruler's divine right to govern.
The concept of crowning monarchs persisted through the ages, with varying cultural interpretations. In medieval Europe, crowns were seen as sacred objects, closely linked to religious institutions. Monarchs were often anointed with holy oil during coronation ceremonies, solidifying the idea of their divine appointment to rule. The crown became a tangible representation of this divine right, with intricate designs that incorporated religious symbols like crosses and fleurs-de-lis.
During the Renaissance, crowns experienced a shift in design and symbolism. Elaborate craftsmanship was evident in the intricate metalwork, engravings, and gemstone settings. Monarchs sought to convey their individuality and grandeur through their crowns, showcasing their reign's prosperity and cultural achievements. The Crown Jewels of various countries, such as the British Crown Jewels, exemplify this era's opulence and artistic innovation.
The symbolism of crowns extended beyond religious and political contexts. They began to symbolize achievements and victories in various fields, including literature, arts, and sports. Crowns were used to honor poets and laureates in ancient Greece and Rome, solidifying the idea of crowns as symbols of excellence. As societies moved towards constitutional forms of government, crowns retained their historical significance while evolving into more symbolic and ceremonial items, representing national identity and continuity.
In the modern world, crowns continue to evoke a sense of grandeur and majesty. While many monarchies have evolved into constitutional roles, the crown remains an integral part of ceremonial events, reaffirming traditions, and cultural heritage. Crowns are also commonly used as motifs in art, fashion, and pop culture, often representing themes of achievement, success, and aspiration. Whether as historical artifacts, cultural symbols, or artistic inspiration, the history and significance of crowns offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex tapestry of human civilization.
I hope you’ll add these to your supplies for art journaling, junk journaling, bullet journaling, scrapbooking, collage, artist trading cards (ATCs) and other mixed media artwork and crafts.
You may also enjoy these free collage sheets.
Terms of use:
Free to use for personal or commercial projects. You may print the collage sheets as many times as you wish for your personal crafts or in your projects to sell, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage sheets “as is" in either print or digital form.
If you wish to share the files on your own website, please do not make the files available for download directly from your site. Instead, include an image with a link back to this site.
To the best of my knowledge, these are all royalty free images that are in the Public Domain in the US. However, you should always do your own research if you plan to use them commercially.
