"Plus Ultra"

Portrait of Charles V -- 1519 (Woodcut)
By Albrecht Dürer. After Hans Weiditz the Younger


Again, the jaw is quite prominent. But I discuss this more for the symbolism found in this print. First, it's dated 1519, Charles V ascended into the Spanish throne in 1517. Technically he was just Carlos I. His appointment and the crown as Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire would come later 1520. On the top are the three coats of arms. The middle one, with a double-headed black eagle, that's the Hapsburg coat of arms-- from the paternal side. Now the other two are the standards of Naples and that of Castile-Leon, the kingdoms he inherited from his mother's side. Grabe sa pamana!

Below the coats of arms is the representation of two Pillars of Hercules, which, according to Greek mythology, were built by Hercules himself near the Straits of Gibraltar to mark the edge of the world. The pillars bore the inscription "Nec plus ultra" (also Non plus ultra, "nothing farther beyond"), serving as a warning to sailors and navigators to go no farther. When Charles V became king of Spain, this was changed to "PLUS ULTRA" (Further Beyond) -- The idea was to encourage the king to ignore the ancient warning and to take risks, surpass himself and go "further beyond." It subsequently became the motto of Habsburg Spain and was featured in the Spanish dollar. An inspiration to their mariners and explorers to go to the farthest part of the earth.

But the word written in this wood print is translated into German. "NOCH WEITER". The artist Albrecht Durer was German.

Magellan did go further beyond, "plus ultra"..."noch weiter" and stumbled upon our islands. Think about that!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez: Rizal's Batman

Image
   Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez (1849-1928) Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, a Spanish Jesuit, held a special place in Rizal's heart as his favorite teacher at Ateneo, where the priest taught Literature. It was under Fr. Sanchez's guidance that the young Rizal delved into the treasures of Greek and Latin Classics. The priest's encouragement led Rizal to hone his literary talents, engaging in the crafting of essays and poetry. The relationship between mentor and student was characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Father Sanchez even staunchly defended Rizal's work, 'Noli Me Tangere.' However, in a letter to Blumentritt dated May 1890, Rizal shared a nuanced description of the priest: "Father Sanchez is a keen observer, albeit somewhat pessimistic, often inclined to view the darker aspects of life. During our school days, he was often playfully referred to as a 'dark spirit,' and students affectionately nicknamed him 'Paniki,' a
Read more

Jose Rizal's Bomb Plot

Image
Victorian lamp The Plot Even before international terrorists adopted the horrific tactics of suicide bombers and bomb couriers in their campaigns of vengeance, Philippine national hero José Rizal conceived a plot in his novel El Filibusterismo that involved a catastrophic explosion to ignite a revolution. In Chapters 34 and 35, Simoun arrives at the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez bearing a seemingly innocuous gift – a lamp. However, concealed within it is a potent explosive: nitroglycerin. The reception takes place at the former residence of the deceased Captain Tiago, which Simoun has meticulously rigged with explosives beforehand. According to his plan, the lamp will remain lit for only twenty minutes before flickering. If anyone attempts to adjust the wick, a catastrophic explosion will ensue, claiming the lives of all those gathered – a significant portion of Manila's elite, including prominent figures from both civil society and the church hierarch
Read more

Pinagbuhatan Fiesta -- San Sebastián

Image
Every year on January 20, the typically monotonous streets of Barangay Pinagbuhatan in the City of Pasig transform themselves into a vibrant place of merrymaking and festivities. The focal point of the Mardi Gras-like atmosphere in the barangay is always the parish church, as January 20 marks the feast day of its revered patron saint—San Sebastian. "Viva San Sebastian!" At the break of dawn on the said day, brass bands parade the streets, as if calling the people to start the festivities—the traditional early morning rounds called "djana" (or diana to some bands). Now and then, that heroic sound of martial music would be broken by the distant sounds of exploding fireworks. The formal celebration starts with the morning mass officiated by the parish priest. In truth, the building excitement would not be found inside the church where mass is being held but instead outside. In the church grounds, the brewing festivities heat up. People gather outside, young and old ali
Read more