CRANACH, Lucas the Elder
(b. 1472, Kronach, d. 1553, Weimar)

Portrait of Charles V

1533
Oil on panel, 51 x 36 cm
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

The sitter is Charles V who, far from being idealized, is shown in a way which exaggerates his pronounced lower jaw. He is depicted as Emperor, wearing around his neck a heavy gold chain with the Order of the Golden Fleece. The image is very austere and was probably completed with the aid of assistants.