Pair of Tassets of Emperor Charles V of Austria (1500–1558) 1505 - 1565

These tassets, crafted by Kolman Helmschmid for Emperor Charles V, are adorned with powerful symbols meant to convey imperial authority. Dominating the design is the figure of the eagle, an ancient emblem of power, of royal status but also associated with the divine. Consider the eagle's journey through time. From the Roman Empire, where it represented Jupiter and military might, to its adoption by numerous European dynasties, the eagle’s significance has shifted and evolved. Its appearance here connects Charles V to a lineage of rulers, each seeking to harness the bird's inherent aura of command. But what of the viewer? The eagle, emblazoned on armor, taps into our collective unconscious, evoking feelings of awe, respect, and perhaps even fear. It is a psychological strategy, imbuing the wearer with an almost mythical presence. This piece is a testament to the enduring power of symbols, transcending time and culture, to shape perceptions and cement legacies.