The stern of VASA was ornately carved, typical of the ships of that era.  The carving was not merely decorative; it advertised that this ship was being sent forth by a person of great power.  It was, in a sense, a form of propaganda.

In the lower right corner you should be able to make out (despite the blurriness) the arms of the house of Vasa, then rulers of Sweden.

This sternpiece would have been brightly painted, including lots of gold leaf.