Artwork

Portrait of Charles V (1500-58), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire

Portrait of Charles V (1500-58), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, oil, 1550
Portrait of Charles V (1500-58), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, oil, 1550

Portrait of Charles V (1500-58), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire is an oil painting. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work is an oil painting dating from the early sixteenth century, portraying Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, in regal attire that emphasizes his imperial authority and divine right to rule. Symbolic elements include the ornate crown and scepter, which denote sovereignty, and the rich drapery that signifies wealth and status. The composition conveys the political power and cultural prestige of the Habsburg dynasty during the mid‑sixteenth century.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on a wooden panel, measuring 17.5 by 17.5 centimeters. It portrays Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and belongs to the portrait genre. The painting was created in the Netherlands and is part of the Rijksmuseum collection.

History & Provenance
No details regarding an original commissioner, earlier owners, or intermediate custodians in the ownership chain are documented in the available sources.

The portrait of Charles V was produced in 1550, executed in oil on panel and identified as an anonymous work. It was created in the Netherlands. The painting, which measures 17.5 by 17.5 centimetres, is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national museum of history and art, where it remains located.

No details regarding an original commissioner, earlier owners, or intermediate custodians in the ownership chain are documented in the available sources.

The painting is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it forms part of the Netherlands Museum for History and Art collection. According to the available records, it is catalogued within that institution's holdings as an anonymous oil-on-panel portrait of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, dated 1550.

No specific inventory or accession number is documented in the cited sources, and no exhibition history is recorded for the work.

Overview

The work is an oil painting dating from the early sixteenth century, portraying Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Executed between 1500 and 1558, the portrait presents the ruler in a close‑up view, emphasizing his facial features against a dark, unadorned background.

Portrait of emperor Charles V
Portrait of emperor Charles V

Artist & collection

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Portrait of Charles V (1500-58), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire?

Portrait of Charles V (1500-58), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Charles V (1500-58), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire?

Portrait of Charles V (1500-58), emperor of the Holy Roman Empire is associated with Mannerism.