The painting, commissoned by Emperor Charles V, was executed in Augsburg in 1548. Isabella of Portugal (1503-1539) married Emperor Charles V in 1526. She died very young, when she was only 36, and long before Charles V commissioned Titian to paint her portrait. Her pale face emphasizes her gentleness, which is also visible in the slender fingers of her hands. The entire portrait is centred around a superb colour harmony of the red, white and gold. A charming colour contrast is provided by the blue and green tints of the landscape, and the eyes of the empress.
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