Catherine of Austria, Wife of King John III of Portugal

Born in 1507 after the death of her father, Felipe el Hermoso, the younger sister of Carlos V married Juan III of Portugal in 1525 and died in 1578. Gifted with an energetic character, she took on the regency of Portugal in the name of her under-aged grandson, Sebasti�n.

Mor painted this more than half-length portrait during his stay in Portugal. It shows the queen standing next to a table, which Mor uses as a symbol of majesty, just as Titian did in his first portrait of Felipe II. The folded parchment on it alludes to her condition as ruler. Mor took pleasure in painting her sumptuous clothing and Portuguese headdress, as well as the jewels and fan, which are in keeping with her position.