Portret van Karel III, koning van Napels - Lucas Kilian

A detailed seventeenth-century engraving by Lucas Kilian depicting Charles III of Naples in profile, complete with heraldic motifs and Latin inscriptions.

This engraving by Lucas Kilian depicts Charles III of Naples, also known as Charles of Durazzo. The portrait is presented in profile, a common convention for historical figures in early modern print series. The subject wears a crown and regal attire, with his hands positioned in a gesture of prayer or supplication. The figure is enclosed within an oval frame, which is a hallmark of the period's portraiture style, designed to focus the viewer's attention on the monarch's features.

Below the central oval, the composition incorporates heraldic elements, including two shields and decorative figures. The text surrounding the portrait provides identification, labelling the subject as 'Carolus Dyrrachinus' and 'Hungarus', referencing his titles and lineage. The background of the frame features fine cross-hatching, a technique Kilian used to create depth and texture within the print. The overall aesthetic reflects the formalised approach to royal portraiture in the seventeenth century, where the inclusion of coats of arms and Latin inscriptions served to validate the subject's status and historical identity.

Lucas Kilian was a prolific engraver based in Augsburg. His work often involved the reproduction of portraits for historical chronicles and genealogical records. This specific print demonstrates his technical proficiency with the burin, particularly in the rendering of the fabric folds and the precise lines of the heraldic shields. The paper shows signs of age, consistent with its origin as a historical document or book illustration. The print is a clear example of the graphic traditions that circulated throughout Europe during the Baroque era, documenting the lineage of rulers for a learned audience.