Charles IV of Spain and His Family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles IV of Spain and His Family |
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| Spanish: La familia de Carlos IV | |
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| Artist | Francisco Goya |
| Year | 1800–1801 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 280 cm × 336 cm (110 in × 132 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
Charles IV of Spain and His Family is a famous painting by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. He painted this large group portrait between 1800 and 1801. Goya had just become the "First Chamber Painter" for the royal family. This was the highest art job in Spain!
The painting shows Charles IV of Spain, the king, and his family. They are all dressed in very fancy clothes and lots of sparkling jewelry. The king and his wife, Maria Luisa of Parma, are at the front. Their children and other relatives stand around them.
The family wears the latest fashion of the time. They also have sashes from the Order of Charles III. This was a special award. Goya based his painting on older famous works. These include Portrait of Felipe V and his Family by Louis-Michel van Loo. It also takes ideas from Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez. Goya even painted himself into the picture, just like Velázquez did!
What the Painting Shows
Goya finished this group portrait a year after becoming the top court painter. This important job was once held by the famous artist Diego Velázquez.
The painting shows the royal family visiting Goya's art studio. You can see Goya himself on the left side of the painting. He is looking out at you, the viewer!
Goya seems to focus on three main people in the painting. These are the Prince of Asturias, who would become King Fernando VII. He is wearing blue. Then there is the Queen, Maria Luisa of Parma, in the middle. And finally, King Charles IV.
Even though it's a formal portrait, you can see some closeness. Queen Maria Luisa is holding the hand of the youngest child. Unlike Velázquez's Las Meninas, Goya's painting does not show any servants. It simply shows the royal family posing for their picture.
Goya shows himself working on a canvas, but you can only see the back of it. In Las Meninas, Velázquez created a warm palace scene. Goya's painting feels different. One art expert said it gives a feeling of "imminent suffocation." It's like the family is on a stage, and Goya is pointing at them. He seems to be saying, "Look at them and decide for yourselves!"
Who Are the People in the Painting?
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Let's meet the people in this famous painting!
- (2) The man in the shadows on the left is Francisco Goya himself.
- (1) Carlos Maria Isidro (1788–1855) is the King's second son.
- (3) The future Fernando VII (1784–1833) is the King's first son.
- (4) Maria Josefa (1744–1801) is the King's sister.
- (5) Maria Antonia of Naples was not yet married to Fernando VII. But she was expected to be soon. That's why her face is hidden.
- (6) María Isabel (1789–1848) is the King's daughter.
- (7) Maria Luisa of Parma (1751–1819) is the King's wife.
- (8) Francisco de Paula (1794–1865) is the King's youngest son.
- (9) Charles IV (1748–1819) is the King.
- (10) Don Antonio Pascual (1755–1817) is the King's brother.
- (11) Carlota Joaquina (1775–1830) is the King's oldest daughter. Only part of her head can be seen.
- (12) Don Luis de Parma (1773–1803) is the King's son-in-law.
- (13) Their baby Carlos Luis (1799–1883) is the future Duke of Parma.
- (14) His wife Maria Luisa (1782–1824) is the King's daughter. She is holding baby number 13.
See also
In Spanish: La familia de Carlos IV para niños
- List of works by Francisco Goya
