Archduke Ernest of Austria (German: Ernst von Österreich; 15 June 1553 – 20 February 1595)[1] was an Austrian prince, the son of Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor, and Maria of Spain.

Born in Vienna, he was educated with his brother Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor, in the court of Spain.

[2] From 1576 onwards, he was governor in the Archduchy of Austria, where he promoted the Counter-Reformation.

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):