Italian bronze bust of Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) wearing etched and chased armour, with the collar and badge of the Order of the Golden Fleece. A sash hangs across the figure's left shoulder. An oval relief at the centre of the breastplate depicts the Risen Christ (after Michelangelo). Inscribed in centre of base: IMP CAES / CAR v AUG.

In his life of the Milanese sculptor Leone Leoni, Vasari records a commission from Ferdinando, Duke of Alba, Captain-General of the Imperial army, for busts of Charles V, Philip II and himself. All three busts depict the sitters as Christian knights, wearing armour delineated with painstaking accuracy. By means of his medals and busts, Leoni shares with Titian responsibility for creating the historical image of the Emperor.