Artwork

War of the Emperor Charles V against Tunis (1535): Turks from La Goletta

War of the Emperor Charles V against Tunis (1535): Turks from La Goletta is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen. It dates from 1539 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

War of the Emperor Charles V against Tunis (1535): Turks from La Goletta, painted circa 1539 by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, is a historical battle scene depicting the 1535 Tunis campaign. The work is characteristic of the northern Renaissance style and is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a chaotic moment from the 1535 war between Emperor Charles V's forces and the Turks at La Goletta, Tunis. The scene emphasizes the intensity of combat, with figures on horseback and foot engaged in fierce battle, reflecting the artist's firsthand experience of the campaign.

Technique & Style

Vermeyen employed vibrant colors to convey the energy and chaos of the battle, drawing the viewer's eye through the composition. The work exemplifies northern Renaissance stylistic elements, blending detailed figural representation with dynamic movement.

History & Provenance

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, a Dutch painter and tapestry designer, created this work after accompanying Emperor Charles V on the Tunis campaign in 1535. The painting is now held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

Jan Cornelisz. Vermeyen, also known as Juan del Mayo (c. 1503 – 1559) was a Dutch painter, printmaker and tapestry designer. He is known for his portraits, history scenes and genre subjects. He worked in Mechelen and…