Portrait of Philip II, King of Spain

mid-1550s

Alessandro Cesati

(Italian, before 1538-after 1564)

Culture

Italy, 16th century

Medium

citrine, mounted in a gold and enamel pendant

Measurements

Pendant: 4.3 x 2.8 x 0.9 cm (1 11/16 x 1 1/8 x 3/8 in.); Gem: 3.2 x 2.5 cm (1 1/4 x 1 in.)
Weight: 14.49g

Credit Line

By exchange: Bequests of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin and John L. Severance; Dudley P. Allen Fund; Gift of Carrie Moss Halle in memory of Salmon Portland Halle; Gift of S. Livingstone Mather, Constance Mather Bishop, Philip R. Mather, Katherine Hoyt Cross, 2012.53

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Location

118 Italian Renaissance

Did You Know?

The ancient Romans believed citrine, a type of quartz, offered protection against evil thoughts.

Description

Clad in armor, Philip II wears a chain with the Order of Golden Fleece around his neck. The remarkably precise and varied cutting describes the textures of cloth, metal, skin, and hair while presenting the king’s features with striking naturalism—complete with receding hairline and prominent chin—as well as conveying his forceful character. Carved gems were luxury arts of the highest order in the Renaissance, hotly collected and used as diplomatic gifts. The original patron is not yet known, but cameos played a prominent role at the Spanish court, where the royal family often hold gems of Philip II in their portraits. The yellow quartz, rare in the 1500s, probably came from a newly opened source in South America; this object is thus both a natural marvel and a masterful portrait. One of only three known works signed by the artist (his initials appear at miniscule scale on the collar just below the knot of cloth), this stone is also likely in its original setting.