Allegory of Charles V as Ruler of the World (Copy after Francesco Mazzola, called Parmigianino (1503–1540), „Allegory of Charles V as Ruler of the World“, 1530)

Rubens was distinguished by his success as an artist and his skill as a diplomat. In 1624 the Spanish King Philip IV (1605–1665) raised him to the nobility.
In 1603/04, as court painter to Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga II (1594–1627), he travelled to Spain on a diplomatic mission. Here he encountered the powerful dynasty of the Habsburg rulers, whose display of splendour emulated that of Charles V (1500–1558), and studied the emperor portraits of Titian (1477–1576). On his return to Mantua, he made a copy of a painting by Parmigianino (1503–1540) belonging to the Duke – the "Allegory of Charles V as Ruler of the World". Charles’s status as supreme military commander is shown by the shining armour with white heightening and by the sword in his left hand. The insignia of his office, crown and sceptre, are further symbols of his power. The cape he wears over his armour is set with pearls and precious stones, completing the imposing imperial figure. On a red ribbon around his neck is the Order of the Golden Fleece, of which as sovereign he is the Grand Master. A genius holding a globe symbolises the emperor’s wide-ranging dominion.

DUCKE Astrid: Rubens Peter Paul, Allegory on Charlesl V. as ruler of the world , in: DUCKE Astrid, HABERSATTER Thomas, OEHRING Erika: Masterworks. Residenzgalerie Salzburg. Salzburg 2015, p. 84