The artwork, titled “Portrait of Charles V,” was created by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1533 in Germany. This oil on panel portrait, belonging to the Northern Renaissance art movement, measures 51 x 36 cm. It is currently housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork depicts a figure, presumably Charles V, dressed in period attire suggestive of high social status, featuring rich textures and intricate details. The subject’s gaze is cast to the side, creating an introspective and contemplative mood. The background is a solid, warm color, which contrasts with and highlights the detailed attire and the subject’s pensive expression. The use of oil on panel allows for intricate detailing, evident in the textures of the subject’s fur-lined cloak and the subtle play of light and shadow on the face. The artwork exemplifies the hallmarks of the Northern Renaissance, where meticulous attention to detail and realism is paramount.
