Who painted Charles IV, King of Spain?

Charles IV, King of Spain was painted by Agustín Esteve in 1789-01-01.

Where can I see Charles IV, King of Spain?

Charles IV, King of Spain is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Charles IV, King of Spain?

Charles IV, King of Spain is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Charles IV, King of Spain?

Museum-quality prints of Charles IV, King of Spain are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Charles IV, King of Spain

Agustín Esteve , 1795

Charles IV, King of Spain is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Agustín Esteve. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a visual assertion of the monarch's legitimacy and his connection to these prestigious chivalric institutions.

The painting depicts Charles IV of Spain in a formal royal portrait, emphasizing his status and authority through specific regalia. The subject is shown wearing the crown and a royal mantle, which serve as traditional symbols of monarchical power. His attire is further distinguished by the display of several high-ranking honors, including the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Order of Charles III, the Order of the Holy Spirit, and the Order of Saint Januarius.

These decorations collectively represent his political alliances and his standing within European aristocracy. The work functions as a visual assertion of the monarch's legitimacy and his connection to these prestigious chivalric institutions.

Technique & Style

Charles IV, King of Spain is an oil painting on canvas, classified as a portrait. It measures 127 cm in height and 94 cm in width. The work is presumed to be by Agustín Esteve after Francisco Goya, indicating a derivative practice in which Esteve produced a portrait based on Goya's composition Charles IV in Red.

Stylistically, the painting follows the conventions of late eighteenth-century court portraiture, presenting the king in formal regalia. The depicted attributes include the crown and royal mantle, along with the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Order of the Holy Spirit, the Order of Charles III, and the Order of Saint Januarius, signaling the sitter's royal status and dynastic affiliations.

History & Provenance

Created in 1795, this oil on canvas portrait depicts Charles IV of Spain and is attributed to Agustín Esteve. The work is considered a version based on Francisco Goya's original composition, Charles IV in Red. The painting measures 127 cm in height and 94 cm in width.

The artwork is currently owned by the Ministry of Culture of Spain and is held within the collections associated with the Museo del Prado, the Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba.

Overview

This oil painting, titled Charles IV, King of Spain, was created by Agustín Esteve in 1795. It presents a formal portrait of the Spanish monarch, depicting him in ceremonial regalia. The artwork is currently housed in the collection of the Museo del Prado, offering insight into royal portraiture of the late 18th century.