Emperor Maximilian II (r. 1564-76), the nephew of Charles V, continued the Habsburg policy of conciliating the Protestants. His court, which attracted people from many countries and of many skills and persuasions, was characterized by an Imperial universalism that transcended confessional differences. This painting shows Maximilian with his wife, Maria of Spain (his cousin and daughter of Charles V), and their children Anna, Rudolf, and Ernst. It was painted a year before Maximilian was crowned Holy Roman Emperor.