Charles V setting foot in Africa

When Cardinal Infante Ferdinand of Spain made his "Joyous Entry" in Ghent in 1635, Gaspard De Crayer was asked to create eight large canvases to decorate a triumphal arch (the so-called "Arcus Caroli" on the "Vrijdagmarkt"). Our drawing is a preparatory study by De Crayer for one of these paintings. Jacob Neefs converted the drawing (together with the other scenes) into engraving a year later, in which Neefs made a few changes and details as well as a grid pattern (see H. Vlieghe, 'Two 'Poeteryen' by Gaspar de Crayer', The Burlington Magazine 108). Both the drawing, painting and engraving go in the same direction.

Charles V disembarks and sets foot on land in Africa. The emperor grabs the personification of the continent of Africa, who is accompanied by a lion, by the arm. The painting is still in the museum "Het STAM" in Ghent (inv. 1108).   

Charcoal, ink, wash and white heightening on paper, 37 x 27 cm (14 ⁵/₈ x 10 ⁵/₈ inches)
Published: H. Vlieghe, 'Two 'Poeteryen' by Gaspar de Crayer', The Burlington Magazine 108 (1966), p. 67-72, afb. 9-18.