Philip the Contentious, Count Palatine,

Philip (1503-1548) was the younger brother of Ottheinrich, Palatinate Count and later Electoral Prince. Baldung has characterized him as a young man, whose mistrustful-shy look cannot disguise his vigour and whose maxim was: "Leave nothing untried" - this being almost apparent. Philip grew up in Neuburg. One year before the completion of this painting, the 13-year-old was elected rector of the university. Later, he took up studies in Italy. He probably received his nickname "Bellicosus" owing to his voluntary military service during the battles waged against the Turks at Vienna's gates (1529).