Philip the Handsome

(1478-1506)

 

Philip the Handsome was aged around fifteen when he was portrayed as the Master from the legend of Mary Magdalene on this panel. He was the son of Maximilian I (pictured on portrait number 83), and the father of Charles the Fifth (pictured on portrait number 88) and Mary of Hungary (pictured on portrait number 85). His Burgundian grandfather Philip the Good had founded the Order of the Golden Fleece - of which Philip the Fair was also a member - around the middle of the fifteenth century, as is apparent from the symbol that he is wearing round his neck. The prince became famous for the magnificent court that he maintained. His marriage to Johanna the Mad was intended to bind together Austria and Spain forever. As early as 1506, at the age of twenty-eight, Philip died, as a result of ’drinking cold water’ at a feast.

It was probably not the cold or the drink that did for the young man, but rather a fatal dose of poison, as his taster also died.

Pierre de la Rue (1460-1518)

Missa Assumpta est Maria

The Musick’s Monument Vocal Ensemble

Philip the Handsome

(1478-1506)

copy of B. Strigel Vienna.