Charles V at Muhlberg. Equestrian Portrait of Charles V is an oil-on-canvas painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Titian.
Created between April and September 1548 while Titian was at the imperial court of Augsburg, it is a tribute to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, following his victory in the April 1547 Battle of Mühlberg against the Protestant armies. The portrait in part gains its impact by its directness and sense of contained power: the horse's strength seems just in check, and Charles' brilliantly shining armour and the painting's deep reds are reminders of battle and heroism.
Titian recorded all of the foreground elements, the horse, its caparison, and the rider's armour, from those used in the actual battle. Both the armour and harness survive, and are kept at the Royal Armoury in Madrid.
It was acquired by the Museo del Prado in 1827. The portrait was commissioned by Mary of Austria, Queen of Hungary, with Charles specifying how he wished to be presented.
The emperor was very aware of the importance of portraiture in determining how he was seen by others, and appreciated not only Titian's mastery as a painter, but also the artist's manner of presenting him as a ruler. Titian came to know Charles V personally, and had painted a number of portraits of him by this time. A highly intelligent man, Titian was quick witted, humorous and easy company. He had developed such a strong friendship wi
Created between April and September 1548 while Titian was at the imperial court of Augsburg, it is a tribute to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, following his victory in the April 1547 Battle of Mühlberg against the Protestant armies. The portrait in part gains its impact by its directness and sense of contained power: the horse's strength seems just in check, and Charles' brilliantly shining armour and the painting's deep reds are reminders of battle and heroism.
Titian recorded all of the foreground elements, the horse, its caparison, and the rider's armour, from those used in the actual battle. Both the armour and harness survive, and are kept at the Royal Armoury in Madrid.
It was acquired by the Museo del Prado in 1827. The portrait was commissioned by Mary of Austria, Queen of Hungary, with Charles specifying how he wished to be presented.
The emperor was very aware of the importance of portraiture in determining how he was seen by others, and appreciated not only Titian's mastery as a painter, but also the artist's manner of presenting him as a ruler. Titian came to know Charles V personally, and had painted a number of portraits of him by this time. A highly intelligent man, Titian was quick witted, humorous and easy company. He had developed such a strong friendship wi
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