On-line gallery
- Reference number
- E00291
- Author
- Leoni, Leone (Italian)
- Title
- Emperor Carlos V (relief)
- Chronology
- 1550-1555
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 152 cm x 133 cm x 10 cm - 708 kg
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
The bust of Carlos V (1500-1558)
appears in profile in low relief,
set in a richly sculpted frame. He
wears the Golden Fleece and Sash.
His armor represents Christ with
the Cross, alluding to the
consideration of Carlos V as a
“Christian Knight.”
In the frame, a male and female
figure, both ending in inverted
pyramidal pedestals, flank the
bust. The upper part of the curved
pediment is topped by an eagle,
symbolizing the Empire, with two
sphinxes and chimeras at the sides.
The garlands and sheep's head over
the cornice complete its typically
Renaissance decoration.
Carlos V commissioned Leoni to make
this work and its pair, the image
of Empress Isabel (E269), in 1549
and the artist based the Emperor's
image on a medal he himself had
made.
Location on the map
