The Abraham Cowley
Text and Image Archive
Plus Ultra / Golden Fleece
 |
 |
Charles V, King of Spain, Holy Roman Emperor, 1515-1556. Naples Cinquina.
Obv.: Pillars of Hercules, inscription PLVS VLTRA ("On Beyond"), emblematic of Spain's New World Conquests. Rev.: Golden Fleece, inscription R. ARAGO. VTRIV (="King of Both Aragons," Spanish as well as Italian). The same pillars could symbolize saintly as well as imperial aspiring; with an early depiction of Charles I's coffin compare William Faithorne's "Embleme" of Cromwell.
Related link: One World Is Not Enough
Return to Index