There is a badge, consisting of a large eight pointed star, usually worn midway between the left shoulder and the waist, that appears in just about every portrait of a European noble from the early 1700's to the beginning of the twentieth century.
It was worn with both military uniforms and civilian garb, in just about every country, kingdom and duchy in Europe. It looks like some sort of insignia designed to indicate that its wearer is a member of the nobility, but I have been unable to find any explanation of its origin, what it indicates, what it was called, or who issued it.
Is there anyone out there who can shed light on this mystery?