Abstract
The “Plus Oultra” writing cabinet of Charles V on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum of London is an intarsia piece made by Italian craftsmen ca. 1532. This article examines the iconographic programme of the cabinet as an expression of the universal Christian empire of Charles V and the sacred imperialism of the Spanish Austrias. This programme is revealed in three scenes depicting the story of Gideon that decorate the outside of the cabinet fall front: the revelation of the angel to Gideon and the woollen fleece in allusion to the Order of the Golden Fleece of which Charles V was the grand master, the selection of the three hundred men, and the battle against the Midianites. These scenes are complemented by medallion heads of Roman emperors to portray Charles V as legitimate successor to the Ancient Roman Empire. The inside of the fall front is emblazoned with the emblems of Charles V: the Pillars of Hercules, the ‘Plus Ultra’ motto, Saint Andrew’s crosses and laurel motifs, while the allegorical figures of Temperance and Justice adorning the sides of the cabinet symbolise the virtues of a good governor. The fall front opens to reveal a set of drawers and doors decorated with one of the earliest examples of the vanitas: objects alluding to the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of wisdom. From a stylistic standpoint, the scenes and decorative motifs of the cabinet suggest that it may have been made in the workshop of the Dominican friar Damiano da Bergamo which Charles V visited in 1529.
Highlights
Marquetry – known as intarsia in the 15th century – was a technique that was widely used in Italy to decorate a broad range of furniture
The Plus Oultra writing cabinet has previously been examined in catalogues
One of the most outstanding and earliest cabinets to survive in Europe, this piece is known as the Plus Oultra cabinet owing to the Pillars of Hercules, the personal emblem of Charles V, and his motto ‘Plus Ultra’, which decorate the inside of the fall-front lid
Summary
Marquetry – known as intarsia in the 15th century – was a technique that was widely used in Italy to decorate a broad range of furniture. The outer side of the fall front is divided into three scenes relating to the story of Gideon as told in the Book of Judges.6 It has been suggested that the scenes were inspired in the imperial ideology of Charles V’s reign in which ancient heroes and figures were venerated and reflected the image of the good Christian prince espoused by Erasmus in his treatise to the emperor himself (Checa 1999: 195-196).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
