Equestrian portrait of Emperor Charles V by Titian Vecellio

Equestrian portrait of Emperor Charles V, perpetuating the victory of the imperial troops over the Protestants at Mühlberg.

Behind the external simplicity of the composition lies a complex symbolism, representing Karl in dual quality – as a Christian knight and as heir to the traditions of the Roman Empire. An example is the spear that the emperor holds in his right hand and which, as a symbol of the power of the Caesars, also makes us remember the weapons of St. George, and also about the passions of Christ and the spear of Longinus the Sotnik.

The formal features of the composition show the influence of the Roman equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, as well as various models of engravings by Albrecht Durer, for example, “Knight, Death and the Devil,” and Hans Burgmayr. The Emperor’s armor is stored in the Royal Armory Chamber in the Royal Palace of Madrid. Created for Maria of Hungary, this work turned into the main dynastic image of the Austrian royal house. Received in the collection of the Prado Museum in 1827.