Spanish or Italian school; 19th century.

Spanish or Italian school; XIX century.
"Portrait of the infant Carlos María Isidro de Borbón y Borbón-Parma".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Provenance: Antonio Paolucci.
Measurements: 56 x 46 cm; 66 x 56 cm (frame).
Portrait of the infant "Don Carlos", as he was nicknamed. It is a court portrait, usual at the time, with a battle in the background that symbolizes the power and military deployment of his figure. In the foreground, the prince himself, now mature, erect and proud, brings his gloved hand to his hip, close to the sword of his royal uniform, but without unsheathing it. The other hand, without glove, rests on a map, alluding to his work as a builder. On his chest the usual insignia of the Bourbons, such as the Golden Fleece, reaffirms his royal power.
He was Infante of Spain and the second surviving son of King Charles IV of Spain and his wife, Maria Luisa of Parma. He claimed the throne of Spain after the death of his older brother, King Ferdinand VII, in 1833. His claim was contested by liberal forces loyal to the late king's youngest daughter, which triggered the First Carlist War (1833-1840). Don Carlos had the support of the Basque provinces and much of Catalonia, but lost the war. His heirs continued the traditionalist cause, fought in two more Carlist wars and remained active until the middle of the 20th century, but never acceded to the throne.
This piece belonged to the Italian art historian Antonio Paolucci, a student of Roberto Longhi and director of the Vatican Museums.