Don Juan van Oostenrijk (1547-1578). Landvoogd der Nederlanden 1560 - 1580

This miniature portrait, created by an anonymous artist sometime between 1560 and 1580, depicts Don Juan of Austria, the illegitimate son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Don Juan served as the governor of the Netherlands from 1576 to 1578, a role he is noted for in the artwork’s title. He is portrayed in a traditional style, wearing armor and a large, lace-trimmed ruff, and the painting is notable for its detailed rendering of his features and attire. The miniature format was popular in the 16th century, and this piece is a good example of its use in capturing the likeness of important historical figures.