Portrait of Alfonso V, King of Aragon (Retrato del Monarca Alfonso V, Rey de Aragón)

Portrait commissioned by the Valencia jurats—the city's supreme governing body—and entrusted to Juan de Juanes. The painter reflects a protagonist like never before, in this case King Alfonso V of Aragon (Medina del Campo 1396–Naples June 27, 1458). The portrait is based on a model from Pisanello. It alludes to the monarch's military status, as well as his royal position. There is a table with a crown on top to distinguish him as a royal. A helmet with heraldic elements evoking his warrior status and dignified lineage is also visible, with the sun represented to show the king as a wise man who can control fate. The open book alludes to his interest in the world of letters: DE BELLO CIVILI LIB. I. The author is covered in part by the crown: C: IVLI:CAESARIS: a clear reference to the Roman world.