Upper Belvedere - Detail and Austrian Flag

According to legend, the flag was invented by Duke Leopold V of Austria as a consequence of his fighting during the Crusades: After a fierce battle, his white battle dress was completely drenched in blood. When he removed his belt, the cloth underneath was untouched by the blood, revealing the combination of red-white-red. He was so taken by this sight that he adopted the colors and scheme as his banner.