Nobile (aristocracy)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nobile or Nob. (its traditional abbreviation) is an Italian title of nobility ranking between that of a baron and a knight. Alike other titles of nobility such as, baron or count, nobile is also used immediately before the family name, usually in the abbreviated form: Nob.

Nobile is derived from the Latin nobilis, which means honourable. The title is also generally used to define any person belonging to the nobility class.

The other European equivalents of nobile are the “baronet” in England and, to some extent the Austrian and South German title of “Edler von”.

The heraldic coronet of a nobile is a jewelled circlet of gold surmounted by five visible pearls, supported by stems or set directly upon the rim. The shield of a nobile is surmounted by a silver helm ¾ side view and surmounted by the coronet. A person entitled to wear a coronet customarily displays it in their coat of arms above the shield.


[edit] The History

Following the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, the Italian Araldic Consultation Body was updated with the inclusion of a title of nobility “nobile”, which is the lowest in rank of the Italian titles of nobility. The Araldic Consultation Body was therefore amended to include article 8 of the Royal decree dated 8 May 1870. In effect, this title was a big innovation in the sense that the usage of a title of nobility was no longer restricted to the first-born as per article 20 of the regulation. However, it should be noted that during the period the Duchy of Milan was in Austrian hands until it was overrun by the French army of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796, the Araldic Court of Milan (legal body empowered to decide on matters regarding titles of nobility), awarded and registered the nobility tile “nobile”. Subsequently, the coat of arms was painted in the ‘Book of Coat of Arms of Maria Teresa of Austria’ (kept today, by the Archive of the State of Milan - ASMi) . However, at that time, the title of nobile did not have a corresponding coronet placed on top of the helm.


[edit] The Law

The Republic of Italy does not recognize titles of nobility. The Italian Constitution of 1948 revoked the Araldic Consultation and therefore all titles of nobility, including nobile, have no effect under civil law. It should be noted however, the existence of a private association called Body of the Italian Nobility whom revindicates a continuation of the Araldic Consultation Body activities.


[edit] References

  • E. Genta, "Titoli nobiliari", in AA.VV., "Enciclopedia del diritto", Varese 1992, vol. XLIV, pag. 674-684.
  • Regolamento della Consulta araldica, approvato con regio decreto del 8 maggio 1870.
  • Enciclopedia Storico-Nobiliare Italiana, MCMXXVIII - ANNO VII
  • Archivio di Stato di Milano
  • Said Vassallo, C.M., Unpublished research papers.
  • Said Vassallo, C.M.,Charles Said-Vassallo's Research site and Maltese Nobility web site.
  • Montalto, J., "The Nobles of Malta-1530-1800", Midsea Books Ltd, Malta, 1980.
  • Burkes Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage of the UK.- 1914 ed.
  • Cassar Desain, Marchese L.A., " Genealogia della famiglia Testaferrata di Malta." Malta, 1880.
  • Gauci,C.A.," The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta", Gulf Publishing Ltd, Malta, 1981.
  • Gauci,C.A.," The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta, Volume Two", Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1992.
  • Gauci,C.A and Mallet, P.,"The Palaeologos Family- A Genealogical Review" ,Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1985
  • Gauci, C.A.," A Guide to the Maltese Nobility", Publishers Enterprise Group (PEG) Ltd, Malta, 1986.
  • Giles Ash, S., "The Nobility of Malta", Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1988.