Portrait of Charles Emmanuel of Savoy with Dwarf
by VIGHI, Giacomo, Oil on canvas
Charles Emmanuel I (Carlo Emanuele di Savoia; 1562-1630), known as the Great, was the Duke of Savoy from 1580 to 1630. Well-educated, and intelligent, he spoke Italian, French and Spanish, as well as Latin. He proved an able warrior although short and hunchbacked. Being also ambitious and confident, he pursued a policy of expansion for his duchy, seeking to expand it into a kingdom.
The painting shows the later Duke as a boy.