The artwork titled “Portrait of Philipp II of Spain” was created by Sofonisba Anguissola in 1570. This oil on canvas painting measures 88 x 72 cm and belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. It is a portrait and is currently housed at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
In the artwork, a stern and regal Philipp II of Spain is depicted in a dark, formal attire that exudes authority and nobility. He is shown with a distinctive ruff around his neck and a cap, both fashionable elements of the time. His hand rests upon a table or armrest with visible beads, possibly a rosary, conveying a sense of piety and composure. The background is simple and understated, which places emphasis on the subject’s dignified presence. The artist’s attention to detail, particularly in the textures of the fabric and the subtle rendering of the subject’s features, exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of Mannerist portraiture. The entire composition is suffused with a sense of solemn grandeur befitting a monarch.