This, the first full-length portrait painted by Titian, represents Emperor Carlos V (1500-1558) with a dog, perhaps the one called Sampere.

This work was painted during the artist's second meeting with the Emperor, which took place in Bologna between 13 December 1532 and 28 February, 1533. It is a variation on an original painting by the German artist, Jacob Seisseneger, now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna. Titian surpassed the earlier work, managing to give the Emperor a new aristocratic bearing by depicting him as more slender.

This painting was first mentioned in Spain in the 1600 inventory of valuables at Madrid's Alcázar Palace. Felipe IV (1605-1665) later gave it to Charles I of England, but it was later purchased at the auction of his belongings and returned to Spain. It entered the Prado Museum in 1821.