Krijgstoerustingen van Karel V voor de oorlog tegen de Turken 1532

Curator: Right, let's dive into this fascinating object. Here at the Rijksmuseum, we have what's known as "Krijgstoerustingen van Karel V voor de oorlog tegen de Turken" – roughly translated, Charles V's military preparations for war against the Turks. It’s a metal engraving dating back to 1532. My initial impression is cold calculation. Editor: I see, you go directly for the feelings this artwork gives to you...Well, the chill that I perceived in this image stems primarily from the use of silver-colored metal, that also transmits coldness for the war implications of Charles V. I'd agree, but for me, the coldness is intriguing rather than off-putting. What I love most, it's the circular design, that brings me back to roman decorations. Curator: Exactly! I think the iconography here speaks volumes, doesn't it? All those emblems, crests, and inscriptions... They really aim for authority and legacy, a true statement of imperial power, and, it's undeniable that it communicates confidence for that time, a strong figure in Charles V Editor: Absolutely. This coin has its roots in the ancient idea that images carried power, especially those depicting leaders or significant events. I mean, imagine, people holding this in their hands, literally holding the might and aspirations of an empire... How to underrate it. For what you were saying, Charles wanted to express imperial and religion authority; This circular arrangement evokes the concept of cosmic order and a divinely sanctioned authority... Also, consider that Charles V's reign saw escalating tensions between Christianity and the Ottoman Empire. He really had the idea to communicate this strength in the collective imaginary, a need. Curator: I totally get that. It’s not just a depiction of arms; it's a symbol laden with intent. There’s almost a theatrical quality. And this type of coins was thought, exactly, for all social classes, to build and uniform all citizens for the idea of an strong empire with a determined leader. Looking back, this piece acts as both propaganda and prayer. Editor: In the end, we may respond with "coldness," as you said. But it's not due to an aesthetic lack; rather, we're responding to the weight of its symbols and its implications for centuries of conflict and cultural interaction. Curator: So well expressed, my dear colleague! It certainly left me something to reflect about for sure. What I also wonder is what it communicates to modern citizens. Perhaps not so different from that ancient coin. A good closure to think a bit more on what is around ourselves and where are roots come from.