Artwork

King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy

King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy, by Bernhard Strigel, oil, 1515
King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy, by Bernhard Strigel, oil, 1515

King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Bernhard Strigel. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Created by Bernhard Strigel in 1515, the work functions as a formal portrait capturing the young monarch before his accession to full royal authority.

The painting depicts Louis II, who held the titles of King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia, portrayed during his childhood. Created by Bernhard Strigel in 1515, the work functions as a formal portrait capturing the young monarch before his accession to full royal authority. As a historical representation, the image serves to document the appearance and status of the future ruler at a specific stage in his early life, preserving his likeness within the context of 16th-century European royal portraiture.

Technique & Style

Created in 1515 by Bernhard Strigel, King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy is an oil-on-panel portrait. The work utilizes oil paint applied to a wooden panel support, a standard medium for Northern Renaissance portraiture of this period. Measuring 29 cm in height and 22.2 cm in width, the small-scale format is characteristic of intimate royal likenesses intended for personal or dynastic display.

The painting is classified strictly as a portrait, focusing on the depiction of Louis II, King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia, during his youth.

History & Provenance

Bernhard Strigel executed this oil-on-panel portrait in 1515. The work depicts Louis II, who held the titles of King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia, rendered here during his youth. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains part of the institution's holdings.

Overview

In 1515, Bernhard Strigel, a prominent Swabian portraitist, created an oil painting of the young Louis II, who would later rule Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia. Executed on a wooden panel, the work exemplifies the Northern Renaissance focus on realistic, individualized likenesses and is now part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s collection.

Portrait of King Louis II (1506-1526) of Hungary, 10-12 years old
Portrait of King Louis II (1506-1526) of Hungary, 10-12 years old, Unknown

Artist & collection

Portrait of Bernhard Strigel

Artist

Bernhard Strigel

Bernhard Strigel (c. 1461 – 4 May 1528) was a German portrait and historical painter of the Swabian school, the most important of a family of artists established at Memmingen. He was born at Memmingen and was probably a…

Frequently asked questions

Who painted King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy?

King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy was painted by Bernhard Strigel in 1515.

Where can I see King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy?

King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy?

King Ludwig II of Hungary as a boy is associated with Northern Renaissance.