Margaret of Austria and Charles V

The two valuable paintings of Margaret of Austria and her cousin Charles V from the Ypres Museum are attracting international attention. Until 10 January 2021, they will be on display at the Centre Charlemagne, the brand new city museum in Aachen, Germany. The exhibition “The Purchased Emperor - Charles V's Coronation and a Changing World” is currently on display there.

In 2020, it will be exactly 500 years since Emperor Charles V was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in Aachen. Emperor Charles V was born in Ghent in 1500 and was educated at the court of his aunt Margaret of Austria. She was governor of the Netherlands in Mechelen.

Bernard van Orley painted these two old pendant portraits around 1515-17. The portraits were very popular from the outset. That is why the artist made several versions, each with slight changes to the compositions.

Both portraits perfectly illustrate the youth of the monarch and have been given a prominent place in the exhibition, which runs until 10 January 2021.

The Ypres Museum sets high standards for the safe transport of such valuable collection items. Our colleague Els Deroo, expert in depot management, explains how this works in this photo report.

• Each portrait is carefully wrapped in a layer of Tyvek. This synthetic material forms a first buffer against physical damage (such as scratches) and changes in humidity.
• A separate custom-made crate was made for each painting. The lid is secured with screws.
• Each portrait is placed face up and surrounded on all sides by a thick layer of acid-free foam. This prevents the painting from moving and absorbs any shocks.
• All transport details are checked once again.
  The boxes are loaded into a large truck and secured in the climate-controlled cargo area with straps.