AACHEN, Hans von
(b. 1552, Köln, d. 1615, Praha)

Anna of Tyrol

1604
Oil on canvas, 58 x 48 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

The painting represents Archduchess Anna (1585-1618) of Tyrol, daughter of Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol, wife of Emperor Matthias. She was by birth Archduchess of Austria and member of the Tyrolese branch of the House of Habsburg and by marriage Holy Roman Empress, German Queen, Queen of Bohemia and Queen of Hungary.

One of the foremost painters of the circle gathered at the Prague court of Emperor Rudolf II, Hans von Aachen synthesized Italian and Netherlandish influences in his portraits and erudite allegories. His portraits are remarkable for their psychological sensitivity. He executed several portraits for Emperor Matthias.