Golden Fleece

The highest honor of the Spanish crown

The Golden Fleece is a very interesting object that can be admired at the Museum of the Duchy: a small gold necklace in the shape of a ram, reminiscent of the Golden Fleece of Jason and the Argonauts, found in Vespasian's tomb. King Philip II awarded the Duke of Sabbioneta the knighthood of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the highest honor of the Spanish crown, on September 29, 1585.

How does it look like? jewel?

It is a collar made of B-shaped gold steels set against sparking flint. At the center is a pendant depicting the skin of a golden ram. Three mottos are linked to the Order and are often featured on the decoration: "Pretium non vile laborum" (Reward for work is not unbecoming); "Ante ferit quam flamma micet" (It wounds before the flame shines); "Non Aliud" (Nothing else).

Vespasian was very proud to have received this honor. The mighty wooden statue preserved in Ducal Palace in Sabbioneta he is portrayed on horseback with the baton of command in his right hand and the collar of the Order of Chivalry on his chest.