Artwork
Charles II as a child
Charles II as a child is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Juan Carreño de Miranda. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The subject is depicted holding a sword and wearing the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece, symbols of military power and chivalric honor.
The work portrays Charles II of Spain during his childhood, capturing the monarch as the central figure. The composition incorporates specific regalia and objects to construct an image of royal authority and lineage. The subject is depicted holding a sword and wearing the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece, symbols of military power and chivalric honor.
Additional elements such as a mirror, a hat, and a painting within the scene contribute to the iconography, likely alluding to the virtues of wisdom, status, and the contemplation of art or legacy. These attributes collectively represent the young king's destined role and the dynastic continuity of the Spanish monarchy.
Technique & Style
The painting is an oil work on canvas, measuring about 201 cm in height by 141 cm in width and dated to 1675. Juan Carreño de Miranda used oil paint as his medium and depicted the young Charles II of Spain with a sword, the Golden Fleece, a mirror, and a hat. The portrait, classified as a court portrait, is part of the Museo del Prado’s collection, listed as inventory P000642, and is displayed in Madrid.
History & Provenance
The work was painted by Juan Carreño de Miranda in 1675, as indicated by the artist’s dates and the inscription on the canvas’s stretcher.
It entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains, with the accession number P000642. The painting depicts Charles II of Spain wearing a sword, the insignia of the Golden Fleece, a hat, and holding a small mirror, consistent with the iconography of a royal child portrait of the period.
The portrait Charles II as a child by Juan Carreño de Miranda is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Its official inventory number within the museum is P000642. Created in 1675, the oil-on-canvas work remains part of the Prado's permanent holdings.
The provided sources do not list any specific past or future exhibitions for this painting.
Overview
This oil painting, titled Charles II as a child, was created by Juan Carreño de Miranda in 1675. It presents a formal portrait of the young Charles II of Spain, capturing him in a moment of regal composure. The artwork is currently housed in the collection of the Museo del Prado, offering insight into Spanish court portraiture of the late 17th century.
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