Artwork
Emperor Charles V
Emperor Charles V is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1546 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Emperor Charles V is an etching created by Augustin Hirschvogel in 1546. It is a portrait of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts Charles V seated on a throne, wearing heavy armor, a fur cloak, and a crown with feathers, holding a staff with a cross. His serious expression conveys authority and power.
Technique & Style
Hirschvogel used etching, a technique involving scratching ink into a metal plate, to create the image. This method was characteristic of the Renaissance, which emphasized realism and detailed human representation.
Context
Hirschvogel was associated with the Danube School, a group of 16th-century artists known for their landscape etchings. His work on Emperor Charles V reflects his skill in detailed etching.
Artist & collection
Artist
Augustin Hirschvogel (1503 – February 1553) was a German artist, mathematician, and cartographer known primarily for his etchings.
