Artwork
Crowning of Charles V in Bologna

Crowning of Charles V in Bologna is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist Jan Erasmus Quellinus. It dates from 1691 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
Crowning of Charles V in Bologna is a 1691 oil painting by Jan Erasmus Quellinus, depicting a pivotal moment in imperial history within a detailed church setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the coronation of Charles V, emphasizing the grandeur and solemnity of the event through the depiction of dignitaries, clergy, and spectators in a church. The scene highlights the intersection of religious and imperial authority.
Technique & Style
Quellinus employed a realistic style, leveraging chiaroscuro and glazing techniques to achieve depth and texture. His training in Flemish tradition, combined with classicizing influences, is evident in the meticulous rendering of figures, attire, and architectural details.
History & Provenance
Created in 1691 for the Habsburg court in Vienna, the painting reflects Quellinus's association with imperial patronage. It is now part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection in Vienna, Austria, a museum founded in 1891 to house the Habsburgs' vast art collection, including works from their historical rule.
Context
The work contextualizes the Habsburgs' religious and political alliances, reflecting the era's blend of religious ceremony and imperial power. Quellinus's Flemish background, combined with Italian influences (notably Paolo Veronese), situates the painting within a broader European artistic dialogue.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of *Crowning of Charles V in Bologna* on the broader art historical canon are not prominently documented, it remains a significant example of late Baroque court painting, illustrating the artistic preferences of the Habsburg dynasty and Quellinus's skill in capturing ceremonial grandeur.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Erasmus Quellinus (1634 in Antwerp – 11 March 1715 in Mechelen) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman and a member of the famous Quellinus family of artists.













