The Walking Dead Season 7: 17 Easter Eggs & References You Might've Missed

14. Charles V

Anthony Van Dyck Portrait Of Charles V On Horseback
Anthony van Dyck [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

When Simon first pays a visit to Hilltop, back in the episode Go Getters, there's a particular interest paid to a painting hanging on Gregory's wall.

It's not just a creation for the show, but is actually a painting of Charles V the Holy Roman Emperor atop a horse, by artist Anthony van Dyck. Charles is credited as being one of the first rulers to control vast dynasties around the world, with a far-reaching empire that struck fear into the hearts of many. So basically, everything Gregory isn't, but more crucially everything Negan is.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.