Charles V, bust length, holding a sword, facing right
Original title: Charles V, bust length, holding a sword, facing right
kurzbeschreibung
This woodcut by Giovanni Britto, made around 1535–45, shows Emperor Charles V in full armour with a sword resting above his shoulder. The bust-length portrait is set frontally, while the emperor's gaze turns to the right.
Description
Charles V wears complete, richly decorated armour whose surfaces are covered with delicate ornament. His right hand holds a sword leaned against his shoulder. The emperor's expression is grave and thoughtful. A banner with the Latin inscription 'CAROLVS IMPERATOR QVINTVS' floats above him. The backdrop stays plain and the arrangement is centred.
Context
Charles V ruled as Holy Roman Emperor from 1519 to 1556. The Venetian woodcutter Giovanni Britto was active in Rome around 1535–45. The portrait dates from the period when Charles V reached the height of his power, shortly before his abdication in 1556. Prints like this one helped spread the imperial likeness throughout the empire.
Impact
Authority and seriousness emanate from this sheet, reinforced by the splendid armour and the sword. The plain backdrop draws attention to the emperor himself, whose pensive trait lends the image a contemplative note.
Technique
For this woodcut the design was cut into a block of wood and afterwards printed onto paper. The armour's delicate lines and details attest to Britto's great technical precision. The monochrome rendering suits this printing method, which produces an even distribution of light.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)