Vergis Mein Nit-Connectedness and Commemoration through Rings in the 16th Century

By the end of the 16th century, finger rings in reverse glass painting technique became increasingly popular in Europe. Often, they are used in the context of signet rings with the monogram together with the coat of arms of its beholder depicted on the glass bezel. The following paper concentrates on nine finger rings of this group. Instead of an actual coat of arms though, these finger rings carry the device V(G)MN or FGMN (for-get-me-not) accompanied by a depiction of little blue forget-me-not flowers as the coat of arms. By collecting and describing the so far existing material, the paper aims to contextualize the use and function of the finger rings with the symbol of the forget-me-not flower in the fields of love, friendship and faith. Furthermore, it links the symbol of the for-get-me-not on finger rings and the imperative power of the written letters V(G)MN or FGMN to its tradition in German literature and texts.

Automated summary

This paper focuses on finger rings that were made using the reverse glass painting technique, which became popular in Europe by the end of the 16th century. Specifically, it examines nine finger rings that feature a depiction of the forget-me-not flower. The paper aims to contextualize the use and function of these rings in the realms of love, friendship, and faith, and also explores their connection to the tradition of German literature and texts through the use of the V(G)MN or FGMN symbols.