Portret van Karel V

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso linksonder, gestempeld: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite *Portret van Karel V (Portrait of Charles V), a delicate 1530 work by Jan Swart van, a pioneering Dutch artist active in Antwerp and influenced by his travels to Italy. This tiny gem, measuring just 51 mm high by 37 mm wide, captures the Roman Emperor Charles V—ruler of a sprawling empire from Spain to the Netherlands—likely in a preparatory sketch or miniature study. Swart, known for blending Northern Renaissance precision with emerging Mannerist elegance, showcases his skill in rendering imperial portraiture on an intimate scale. Crafted on paper, this rare medium highlights the era's growing fascination with portable, collectible drawings among Europe's elite. Such small works were prized for albums or private cabinets, offering a personal glimpse of power. The verso bears a stamped collector's mark (Lugt 240), linking it to the esteemed 19th-century collector Eugène Dutuit, whose Rouen museum preserves many treasures—adding layers of provenance to its allure. In the turbulent 16th century, amid Reformation storms and imperial conquests, this portrait symbolizes Charles V's commanding presence, preserved through Swart's masterful touch. A window into Renaissance portrait traditions, it invites visitors to marvel at art's power to immortalize history in miniature.

About the Artist

Jan Swart van Groningen · 1490–1553

His paintings combine Italian Renaissance and Netherlandish elements, borrowing from greater Northern Italianate artists, especially Scorel. Comment on works: History