Artwork
Portrait of Charles II
Portrait of Charles II is an oil painting by the Spanish Baroque Tenebrist artist Claudio Coello. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
About this work
Overview
The Portrait of Charles II is a 1690 oil painting by Claudio Coello, a prominent Spanish-Portuguese Baroque artist. It exemplifies the tenebrist style characteristic of Spanish Baroque painting.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Charles II, the Spanish monarch Coello served as court painter to, in formal attire. The subject is shown with dark hair, wearing a black coat with gold embroidery and a white collar, set against a dark background that highlights his features.
Technique & Style
Coello employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality in the painting. The contrast between light and dark areas adds drama to the portrait, characteristic of the tenebrist style.
History & Provenance
Coello's career included significant work in Madrid's churches and public buildings, as well as commissions at El Escorial, before creating this portrait of his royal patron.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Claudio Coello (2 March 1642 – 20 April 1693) was a Spanish-Portuguese Baroque painter.
The Virgin and Child adored by Saint Louis, King of France
The Triumph of Saint Augustine
Mariana of Austria, Consort of King Philip IV of Spain, as a Widow
The Virgin and Child between the Theological Virtues and Saints
Der hl. Petrus von Alcántara wandelt über den Fluss Quadiana
Saint Dominic of Guzmán
Santa Rosa de Lima
Saint Anthony of Padua
Charles II of Spain
Charles II of Spain
Portrait of Philip IV in Armour
Charles II in armour
Portrait of Philip IV, King of Spain
Charles II as a child
Portrait of Philip IV (1605-1665), King of Spain
Charles II as a child
Don Juan José de Austria (¿?)
Portrait of King Philip IV of Spain
Portrait of Phillip IV of Spain, at three-quarter length
Charles II