Tapestry with the arms of Emperor Charles V

This tapestry symbolizes the power of the Habsburg Emperor Charles V. Surrounded by abundant plants and flowers, a crowned double-headed eagle bears his coat of arms. Charles was ruler, among others, of Austria, Hungary, Sicily, Spain, Burgundy, and the Low Countries. Until his abdication in 1555, he was the most powerful man in Europe. Such tapestries were probably used on festive occasions.