Order of Cultural Merit (Monaco)
Encyclopedia
The Order of Cultural Merit is the fourth highest Order of the Principality of Monaco. The order was established by HSH
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
on 31 December 1952 by Sovereign Order 689. It is awarded to recognize those who have made a distinctive contribution to the arts, letters or science through their work or teaching in Monaco. It may also be awarded to recognize individuals in those areas who have extended the intellectual influence of the Principality
, even from outside of Monaco.
. The obverse of the medallion contains the monogram
of Prince Rainier III, formed by two mirrored "R"s, surrounded by the inscription "Principauté de Monaco 1952". The reverse depicts an arrangement of objects symbolizing the arts and sciences, a lyre, books, compass, etc. On the upper right is the inscription "Arts Lettres Sciences". The medallions are suspended from a ribbon of red with a line of white lozenges
in the center. This design is likely inspired by the Monegasque flag
variant which is described in the language of heraldry
as "lozengy argent and gules". The commander's badge is gold and is worn suspended from the neck. The officers badge, made of silver, is worn on a ribbon with a rosette
suspended from the left chest. The knight's badge, made of bronze, is worn suspended by a plain ribbon from the left chest.
Serene Highness
His/Her Serene Highness is a style used today by the reigning families of Liechtenstein and Monaco. It also preceded the princely titles of members of some German ruling and mediatised dynasties as well as some non-ruling but princely German noble families until 1918...
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco , styled His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, ruled the Principality of Monaco for almost 56 years, making him one of the longest ruling monarchs of the 20th century.Though he was best known outside of Europe for having married American...
on 31 December 1952 by Sovereign Order 689. It is awarded to recognize those who have made a distinctive contribution to the arts, letters or science through their work or teaching in Monaco. It may also be awarded to recognize individuals in those areas who have extended the intellectual influence of the Principality
Principality
A principality is a monarchical feudatory or sovereign state, ruled or reigned over by a monarch with the title of prince or princess, or by a monarch with another title within the generic use of the term prince....
, even from outside of Monaco.
Insignia
The order is presented in three different grades, Commander, Officer, and Knight. Each grade's insignia share certain characteristics. The badge of the Order consists of a round medallion, framed by a laurel wreath and suspended by the Heraldic Crown of MonacoCoat of arms of Monaco
The Royal Arms of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II are his arms of dominion in right of Monaco.-Interior:The central shield is "blazoned" , fusily argent and gules.-Exterior:...
. The obverse of the medallion contains the monogram
Monogram
A monogram is a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters or other graphemes to form one symbol. Monograms are often made by combining the initials of an individual or a company, used as recognizable symbols or logos. A series of uncombined initials is properly referred to as a...
of Prince Rainier III, formed by two mirrored "R"s, surrounded by the inscription "Principauté de Monaco 1952". The reverse depicts an arrangement of objects symbolizing the arts and sciences, a lyre, books, compass, etc. On the upper right is the inscription "Arts Lettres Sciences". The medallions are suspended from a ribbon of red with a line of white lozenges
Lozenge (heraldry)
The lozenge in heraldry is a diamond-shaped charge , usually somewhat narrower than it is tall. It is to be distinguished in modern heraldry from the fusil, which is like the lozenge but narrower, though the distinction has not always been as fine and is not always observed even today...
in the center. This design is likely inspired by the Monegasque flag
Flag of Monaco
The national flag of Monaco has two equal horizontal bands of red and white, both of which have been the heraldic colors of the House of Grimaldi since at least 1339...
variant which is described in the language of heraldry
Heraldry
Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound harja-waldaz, "army commander"...
as "lozengy argent and gules". The commander's badge is gold and is worn suspended from the neck. The officers badge, made of silver, is worn on a ribbon with a rosette
Rosette (decoration)
A rosette is a small, circular device that is presented with a medal. The rosettes are primarily for situations where wearing the medal is deemed inappropriate. Rosettes are issued in nations such as France, Italy and Japan...
suspended from the left chest. The knight's badge, made of bronze, is worn suspended by a plain ribbon from the left chest.