Copy of Emperor Charles V 1472 - 1553

Lucas Cranach the Younger made this print, Copy of Emperor Charles V, sometime in the 16th century. Cranach, son of the more famous Lucas Cranach the Elder, lived through the Reformation and was a court painter to the Electors of Saxony. This portrait of Charles the Fifth is more than just a depiction of a ruler; it’s a study in power, legacy, and identity during a period of immense religious and political upheaval. Charles V was Holy Roman Emperor during a critical juncture of the Protestant Reformation. Charles V was a Catholic ruler attempting to hold onto power in the face of enormous religious challenges. The pillars and motto, "Plus Ultra," next to the crest all convey a sense of strength and ambition. We see in the artwork a representation of a man, but also of an empire grappling with its place in a changing world. The emotional weight of leadership during such times must have been immense. This print invites us to consider the burdens of leadership.