In our data there are many pictures showing coat of arms etc. which we fortunatly can link to noble or civil families. It would be great if we could identify them via Iconclass.
If we are confronted with some heraldic depictions, we use 46A122 or its subnotations.
At the moment, there is no preset list of family NAMES included in Iconclass. You can pick a default string which works as a placeholder within the Iconclass Browser retrieval.
Example: Linked Data API : Corpus Vitrearum Deutschland
Perhaps we could start a list of families and pick an Iconclass Identifier 46A122(NAME) for them? We could see which families were already enriched with Iconclass notations. Using the same identifiers would prepare fine Linked Data retrievals.
It may be wise to have a look at Wikidata, VIAF etc. to pick plain NAMES. Similar to the Saints’ topic in this forum it would be of relevance, too creating a direct connection between such databases and the individual Iconclass notation (e.g. the Wikidata Q-Number as an Iconclass Keyword).
Another possibility is to us direct links to Wikidata etc. in our project’s database to gain machine-readable statements. But as Iconclass is a classification system for visual concepts, it would make a perfect home for heraldic iconography. Giving persistent identifiers for several coat of arms might be only the first step, further on statements about their usual apperance might follow.
What do you think?