Artwork

Erzherzog Karl Joseph (1649-1664) mit Eichhörnchen, im Alter von vier bis fünf Jahren

Erzherzog Karl Joseph (1649-1664) mit Eichhörnchen, im Alter von vier bis fünf Jahren is a color painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Cornelis Sustermans. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Cornelis Sustermans painted a portrait in 1653 of the young Archduke Karl Joseph, aged about four to five years. Executed in colour, the work shows the child in an elaborate red and white costume, set against a dark, carved wall. The painting is part of the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Archduke Karl Joseph, is depicted with a small squirrel perched nearby, a traditional symbol of vigilance and playfulness. A black hat with a feather rests on a table, while a diminutive dog gazes away, adding layers of domestic intimacy and status. The composition emphasizes the princely youth’s refinement and the courtly environment.

Technique & Style

Sustermans renders the textiles with meticulous attention to texture, using gold thread and floral motifs to convey richness. Light falls across the puffed sleeves and large‑bowed shoes, creating subtle shadows that model the forms realistically. The contrast between the bright costume and the muted background heightens the three‑dimensional presence of the figure.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1653, the portrait entered the imperial collections shortly after its creation and has remained in the Habsburg holdings. It was transferred to the Kunsthistorisches Museum when the museum opened, where it continues to be displayed as part of the museum’s Baroque portrait series.

Context

During the mid‑seventeenth century, portraiture of royal children served both dynastic propaganda and personal commemoration. Sustermans, a leading court painter, frequently depicted members of the Austrian Habsburg family, employing a refined, naturalistic style that aligned with contemporary Flemish influences while catering to Viennese tastes.