This richly decorated cradle comes from the former Brussels Palace on the Coudenberg. It was suspended from the metal rods still visible on either side. Contrary to popular belief, it was probably not made for the future emperor Charles V, but for his father, Philip the Handsome. The rich polychrome decoration supports this idea: it features the coats of arms of Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian I of Austria, Philip’s parents. Even more telling are the intertwined double ‘M’s - their initials - tied with a bow and adorned with flowering thistles.
This historic cradle has long been a museum piece: it was already on display when the Halle Gate Museum opened in 1847.