A self-portrait of the artist wearing the chain of the Knight of the Golden Spur, an honor he received from Emperor Carlos V (1500-1558) along with his appointment as Palatinate Count. He holds a brush in his right hand, alluding to his profession as painter, which earned him such honors.

Against the background and black clothing, light brings out the most important details of the composition, the face, hands and chain. Moreover, the subject's position in profile strengthens the sense of volume and the expression of his gaze.

Titian was one of the painters most concerned with his image. He made several self-portraits, two of which have survived. The Prado Museum's painting is the later of the two, and was made when he was somewhere between 73 and 75 years old.

This portrait belonged to Rubens and was acquired at the auction that followed his death in 1640. It is first listed in Spain in Madrid's Alcázar Palace in 1666.