*3.2. Seals*

Ferdinand II continued to use certain earlier typologies, as is evidenced by his main seals, which are almost identical to those of John II except for details and legends [29]. Leaving aside his minor seals, all of which are heraldic, his bulls are particularly interesting, these being two types of metallic stamp of varying dimensions. The first is the traditional one: equestrian/heraldic, although on the reverse the Saracen heads are face-on and crowned. The second has a new feature: the obverse depicts the equestrian sovereign and the reverse the enthroned queen (Figure 2).

**Figure 2.** Lead Bulls of the Catholic Monarchs. Undated. Published by [29], nums. 112, 131.

On the obverse, surrounded by + FERDINANDVS: DEI: GRACIA: REX: CASTELE: LEGIONIS : ARAGONVM : ET SEC, we can see the king mounted on his horse, which is facing either right or left and appears less light of foot than its predecessors because its protective coverings are more rigid. Perhaps this is because of the need to incorporate the complex arms of the Catholics Monarchs and would also explain why the rider's shield is unemblazoned. On the reverse, encircled by + HELISABET: DEI GRA: REGINA: CASTELLE: LEGIONIS ARAGONVM: ET SECILIE, the queen is enthroned and accompanied by a shield displaying an emblem identical to that of the rider's coat of arms. There are numerous pieces, and with slight variations; some of them betray elements of the new trends in monumental sculpture at the time, referred to by some as *plateresco* because of its connections with works in precious metals.

Although they invert the iconographic order (equestrian/ enthroned), the traditionalism of these pieces, in accordance with the models of the Crown of Aragon, should not deceive: these bulls represent the first appearance of the royal couple on the same seal, thus providing a visual depiction, as seen on their coins, of their joint governance.

#### **4. Instrumental Character of Art**
