On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00410
- Author
- Titian [Vecellio di Gregorio Tiziano] (Italian)
- Title
- Emperor Carlos V on Horseback
- Chronology
- 1548
- Technique
- Oil
- Support
- Canvas
- Measures
- 335 cm x 283 cm
- School
- Italian
- Theme
- Portrait. Royal/Imperial
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- RoyalCollection
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
An equestrian portrait of Emperor
Carlos V (1500-1558) commemorating
the victory of imperial troops over
the Protestants at Mühlberg. The
apparently straightforward
composition hides a complex
symbolism that portrays Carlos as
both a Christian knight and heir to
the imperial tradition of Rome. For
example, the lance he holds in his
right hand symbolizes the power of
the Caesars, but it simultaneously
alludes to Saint George's weapon,
and to the one carried by Longinus
during the Passion of Christ
(Longinus was a Roman soldier who
speared Christ in the ribs and then
became a Christian).
The formal forerunners to this
composition have been seen in the
Roman statue of Emperor Marcus
Aurelius (121-180) on Horseback,
and various models of engravings by
Albrecht Dürer, including The
Knight and Death, as well as
engravings by Hans Burgkmain.
The armor worn by the Emperor in
this painting is now in the Royal
Armory at Madrid's Royal
Palace.
This work was made for Maria of
Hungary and became the epitomal
image of the Hapsburg dynasty. It
entered the Prado Museum's
collection in 1827.
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