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Portrait of Prince Philip Prospero facts for kids

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Prince Philip Prospero,
or The infante Philip Prospero
Prince Philip Prospero by Diego Velázquez.jpg
Artist Diego Velázquez
Year 1659
Medium Oil on canvas
Dimensions 128.5 cm × 99.5 cm (50.6 in × 39.2 in)
Location Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

The Portrait of Prince Philip Prospero is a famous painting from 1659. It shows Philip Prospero, Prince of Asturias, who was a young prince in Spain. The artist who painted it was Diego Velázquez. Today, you can see this beautiful painting in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.

About the Painting

This painting shows Prince Philip Prospero when he was about three years old. He was the son of King Philip IV of Spain. Velázquez painted the prince in a very detailed way. The prince wears a fancy white dress with a pink sash. He also has many good luck charms pinned to his clothes. These charms were meant to protect him because he was often sick.

What You See in the Portrait

The prince stands in a large, dark room. There is a red curtain behind him. On the floor, you can see a small dog. The dog looks up at the prince. This dog is a type of mastiff, a large and loyal breed. The room also has a chair and a clock in the background. These details help show that the prince lived in a grand palace.

The Prince's Appearance

Prince Philip Prospero has light hair and a serious expression. His face looks a little pale. This might show that he was not very healthy. The charms on his dress include bells and other small objects. People believed these would keep him safe from illness.

Who Was Prince Philip Prospero?

Philip Prospero was born in 1657. He was the only son of King Philip IV and Queen Mariana of Austria. This made him the heir to the Spanish throne. Being the heir meant he would become king after his father. Everyone in Spain hoped he would grow up strong and healthy.

A Short Life

Sadly, Prince Philip Prospero was often ill. He died when he was only four years old, in 1661. His death was a very sad event for the royal family. It meant that his younger brother, Charles, became the new heir. This painting is one of the few ways we can remember him.

Meet the Artist: Diego Velázquez

Diego Velázquez was a very important Spanish painter. He lived from 1599 to 1660. Velázquez was the main painter for King Philip IV. He painted many portraits of the royal family. He was known for making his paintings look very real.

Velázquez's Style

Velázquez used oil paints to create his art. He was very good at showing light and shadow. This made his paintings seem to come alive. He also captured the feelings of the people he painted. His work is still admired by artists and art lovers today.

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