Portret van Karel V van Habsburg 1662

This engraving, made by Coenraet Waumans, portrays Charles V of Habsburg. Here, the armor is not just protection, but a symbol of power and authority. Armor, throughout history, has always signified status and martial prowess, echoing the classical heroes of antiquity. Consider how the feathered helmet he wears mirrors those seen in Roman sculptures. The helmet is a direct link to the Roman Empire and the divine right to rule, subtly connecting Charles V to a lineage of emperors. It is no accident that rulers like him seek to associate themselves with the glory of Rome. The subconscious desire for legitimacy and power drives these resurrections of past symbols. The Roman Empire, though long gone, still exerts a psychological pull, a collective memory of order and strength. The emotional weight carried by these symbols is immense. They serve as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of history, where images and ideas are continuously reborn.