The Stained Glass Window of Charles V

In this stained glass window, you can see the imperial couple, kneeling, Charles V and Isabella of Portugal, with their patron saints: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Emperor Charlemagne (although the latter was not officially recognized as a saint).

Charlemagne stands with his ceremonial sword in his right hand and the globe in his left hand, behind Emperor Charles V.

Isabella of Portugal and Charles V are praying before the monstrance of the Holy Sacrament.

It is interesting to note that Charles V and Isabella of Portugal formed a model couple, which was rare at a time when Charles V’s contemporaries had numerous affairs.

Charles V was very fond of Isabella, who was his first cousin on his mother’s side. He remained faithful to her during their 13 years of marriage and did not remarry when she died in childbirth.

The coats of arms refer to the main territories of Charles V’s empire. From left to right, we can distinguish those of Brabant, Burgundy, Austria, Castile-Leon-Aragon, and Sicily. They are topped with a crown and the chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

The double-headed eagle is the symbol of the Holy Roman Empire over which Charles V reigned. Admire also the three monumental triumphal arches richly decorated with Renaissance motifs.

The stained glass window also includes a fifth character: God the Father. He occupies a rather discreet place: in the right part of the triumphal arch, on a sort of pedestal, supposed to represent an altar. He holds a reliquary in the shape of a cross in his hands. Look at the proportions of the characters: God the Father is half the size of Charles V. It is man who is honoured here, far from humility and modesty. Everything revolves around Emperor Charles V.