Archduke Ernest of Austria
Archduke Ernest of Austria (; 15 June 1553 – 20 February 1595) was an Austrian prince, the son of Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor, and Maria of Spain. Biography 
Born in Vienna, he was educated with his brother Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor, in the court of Spain. In 1573 and 1587, he was a candidate for the throne of Poland. From 1576 onwards, he was governor in the Archduchy of Austria, where he promoted the Counter-Reformation. In 1590, he became governor of Inner Austria as regent for his young cousin Ferdinand, and from 1594 to 1595 he served as Governor  of the Spanish Netherlands. He died in Brussels on 20 February 1595 and was eventually succeeded in the Netherlands by his brother Albert. Ernest owned the Months of the Year cycle series of works painted by Pieter Bruegel the Elder; one painting, High Spring (showing April or May) is lost):

Ancestry

Male-line family tree

References 

Ernest, Archduke of Austria
Ernest, Archduke of Austria
Ernest, Archduke of Austria
Ernest, Archduke of Austria
Ernest, Archduke of Austria
Ernest, Archduke of Austria
Ernest, Archduke of Austria
Burials at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Austrian princes
Sons of emperors
Children of Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sons of kings