“Emperor Charles V at Mühlberg”
Today, a portrait of a Habsburg Emperor…
“Emperor Charles V at Mühlberg” is an oil on canvas portrait painting by the Italian Renaissance artist of the Venetian School, Titian, from 1548. This was commissioned to honor Charles V’s victory at the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547. This marks the beginning of the grand equestrian portrait as a theme.
This painting depicts Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, at his victory at the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547. Charles V’s armies defeated the Schmalkaldic League, a group of Lutheran nobles. Many regarded the battle as the Catholics defeat over the Lutherans, but in reality, many Lutheran nobles supported Charles. The horse and its outfit and the armor worn by Charles V are accurate depictions of the armor used in the battle.
Titian was living in apartments in Augsburg, Germany, near Charles V while painting this piece. During this time, he got to know the emperor quite well. Charles V commissioned many paintings from Titian, both portraits and religious themed works. There were several Titian paintings that the emperor took with him wherever he traveled.
“Emperor Charles V at Mühlberg” is currently on display at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
For more on Titian, please visit his short biography here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
