Black Family Crest framed artprint

The Black Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.

The origin of the name Black

Black is a historic descriptive and topographic surname of Old English and Scottish origin, derived from blæc, referring to dark hair, a dark complexion, or one residing near dark terrain. Widespread across Scotland, Northern England, and Ulster, the surname identified dark-haired clansmen and landholders throughout the Borders and Highlands. The name was recorded in early administrative rolls including the 1214 Records of Holyrood Abbey in Scotland and the 1273 Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire.

The symbolism of the Black coat of arms

Featuring an argent / silver or white shield, the Black coat of arms is charged with a bold black chevron set between three red stars in chief and a red crescent in base. In heraldry, the argent / silver or white shield signifies sincerity and truth, while the black chevron represents structural strength, resolve, and constancy. The red stars symbolise noble ambition and divine guidance, while the red crescent denotes enlightenment, hope, and renewal. Positioned above the helm, the crest features a golden lion demi-rampant. Below, the motto scroll displays Spes lucis aeternae, translating to "Hope of eternal light." This design is catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884) and Stodart's Scottish Arms.

Historical figures

Joseph Black (1728–1799): Scottish physicist and chemist famed for discovering latent heat, specific heat, and carbon dioxide.
Hugo Black (1886–1971): Influential American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States for 34 years.
Karen Black (1939–2013): Acclaimed American actress, screenwriter, and singer who earned two Golden Globe Awards and an Oscar nomination.

Product details

Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
Paper weight: 189 g/m²
Lightweight & acrylite front protector
Hanging hardware included

No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order

This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.

About the artist

Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.