Sixteenth-century tiles with the Starykoń coat of arms from the royal castles of Wawel and Ojców in the light of the results of comparative analysis and physical and chemical studies

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis and laboratory tests of three heraldic tiles with the Starykoń coat of arms from the first quarter of the 16th century, discovered in the royal castles of Wawel and Ojców. These tiles are characterised by an almost striking similarity to each other. In light of the analyses conducted, it is highly probable that these tiles were manufactured using the same matrix. However, due to certain discrepancies, it can be reasonably assumed that they were not produced during the same firing process. The Starykoń coat of arms is linked to the Szafraniec family of Pieskowa Skała, one of the most eminent families of the Polish Middle Ages and early Modern Times. It is possible that the production of the tiles under discussion in this work may be linked to the highly educated humanist Hieronim Szafraniec, who enjoyed the favour of King Sigismund the Old and was strongly associated with the royal court.