Portrait of Emperor Charles V

The association of unmarried merchants, the Brotherhood of Blackheads, had a sumptuous house on the main street of Tallinn, the Pikk Street. Even the interior was spectacular, especially the collection of leaders’ portraits that decorated the walls. When becoming a member, the brothers could donate portraits depicting whichever ruler to the brotherhood. In turn, the collection, which in large has remained intact until now, sports portraits of even the Turkish sultan and the Russian czar. Amid paintings depicting other European rulers, you will find this portrait of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (1682).