Austria, 18th century. Dark and greenish patinated bronze bust representing Charles V as a Roman Emperor. The bearded Emperor wears armor covered with a padulamentum stapled to his right shoulder and wears the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece he founded. Inscription CHAR.V. on the base. Beautiful cast quality. Height: 22.5 cm Marble pedestal, total height: 40.8 cm. Several examples of this small bust of Charles V are known to have passed through the art market, including one that belonged to the former collection of the great English art dealer Cyril Humphris (Sale Paris, Sotheby's, April 14, 2010, lot 7, presented as Italy or Austria, 18th century). Based on the inscription CARL V on the base, Humphris had suggested an Austrian origin by linking this small bronze effigy of the famous Holy Roman Emperor to the work of Viennese sculptor Balthasar Ferdinand Moll (1717-1785), a pupil of the famous Georg Raphaël Donner. This artist, renowned for his work at the Habsburg court, notably on the imperial tombs, produced numerous portraits of the sovereigns and dignitaries of the House of Austria. His portraits are remarkable for the precision of their facial features and the detail of their clothing, qualities that are also evident here. The dark, slightly greenish patina suggests a Germanic origin, while the inscription could indicate a Flemish or Belgian patron. Book consulted: Exhibition Vienna 1993, Georg Raphaël Donner 1693-1741, Musée du Belvédère, cat. 454 to 481. Expert: Cabinet Fligny Paris. Base in white marble.