Philip II of Spain on His Throne

Antonio Tempesta

National Gallery of Art

The image shows five men in a richly decorated interior. The man seated on the left is on a throne-like chair on a raised platform. He is in a full view sitting pose with a distinctive rough collar, a hat, long hair, and a beard. The man in front appears to be presenting or reading a document to the seated figure, shown from head to toe with detailed clothing, including a wide belt and a flowing cape. The other three men are standing around; one is closer to the viewer and holds a hat and a thin stick or staff. All the men wear similar historical European clothing with ruffled collars, doublets, and short trousers. The room is decorated with large curtains and a window with a gridded design, casting shadows on the floor tiles.