Anonymous (Cuzco school late 17th century)

The painting is a portrait of the last Habsburg king of Spain, Charles II in defense of the Holy Eucharist. Seen trying to pull down the monstrance that holds the Host or body of Christ, are the then-considered enemies of the Catholic Church and Europe, the Turks (wearing turbans) and possibly the leaders of the Protestant revolt including John Calvin and Martin Luther. The King's piety and valor is clearly expressed in his stance holding a sword ready to defend the Host or Christendom. Numerous images of Charles II in defense of the Host are known to have existed and based on the monumental painting the Sagrada Forma by Claudio Coello in El Escorial where the king kneels in worship.