Alexander Farnese (1545-1592), Herzog von Parma

The display of the objects in the Heldenrüstkammer (»Heroes’ Armoury«) was based on the organizational principle devised by Archduke Ferdinand II, which corresponded to the social standing of the »heroes«, ranging from emperors and nobles to military commanders. In addition to arms and armour, Ferdinand commissioned several portrait series of various sizes and biographical descriptions of the represented. From the section »Princes and Counts« comes the depiction of Alessandro Farnese, Duke of Parma (1545–1592). Farnese, grandson of Emperor Charles V, served with distinction in the naval battle at Lepanto and in the suppression of the uprisings in the Spanish Netherlands. His portrait in profile probably derives from the original of a Netherlandish engraving.