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In 1568, as negociations were taking place to form the Holy League, King Philip II of Spain ordered the construction of a royal galley for his young brother don John of Austria he had just named captain general. During the following year, the Sevillian humanist Juan de Mal Lara elaborated the iconographic program to decorate the inner and outer parts of the galley’s stern. These decorations, among which were images of Jason’s quest for the golden fleece, referred to the Hapsburg’s messianic discourse. The paintings and statues placed on the stern of the boat were meant to legitimate Philip II’s hegemonic ambition. Nevertheless, the program representing a spiritual battle, was mainly intended to guide don John of Austria on the path to victorious christian virtues. Only such virtues could insure a final victory over the unfaithful Turks.