Allegory on Emperor Charles as Ruler of Vast Realms

Charles V had been dead for nearly 50 years when this was painted. The young Rubens was working for the Duke of Mantua, who in 1603 sent him to Spain with a wagonload of presents for Philip III and his chief minister, a coach and horses, firearms, and copies of Italian paintings. Rain got into the crates on the way and Rubens spent weeks in Valladolid repairing the damaged canvases, while the Spanish court opened its galleries to him, including the portraits Titian had made of Charles in armour. This picture came out of that journey. The dead emperor stands in black armour with the Golden Fleece on a red ribbon at his throat, resting his sceptre on a globe that a small winged genius holds up for him.