TIZIANO Vecellio
(b. 1490, Pieve di Cadore, d. 1576, Venezia)

Portrait of Isabella of Portugal

1548
Oil on canvas, 117 x 93 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid

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.