Rudolph II, Roman Emperor

Unknown 19th Century

1850

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Portrait charles v

About this work

This engraving shows Rudolph II, Holy Roman Emperor, dressed in elaborate robes. He sits stiffly, rings on his fingers, a crown beside him. Light falls on his face, making him look serious. The artist used engraving with cross-hatching to create fine details. Each line adds texture to his clothing and the room around him. The technique makes the image feel almost three-dimensional. Look up the National Gallery of Art, Washington to see more works like this.