Allegory on the Abdication of Emperor Charles v in Brussels, 1635 Frans Francken (II)
This artwork captures a historic moment - the abdication of Emperor Charles V in Brussels on October 25, 1555. At the center top, Charles V is seated on his throne, flanked by Ferdinand I to his left and Philip II, King of Spain, to his right. In front of Philip, personifications of the imperial territories kneel with banners. The foreground is graced by personifications of continents - America, Africa, Europe, and Asia - offering gifts. To the left, Neptune rides his triumphal chariot pulled by seahorses and surrounded by mermaids, mermen, tritons and more. A globe and two pillars with a banner bearing the inscription 'Plus Ultra' adorn the chariot.
