Portret van Ferdinand VII, koning van Spanje 1782 - 1847

Rafael Esteve y Vilella created this engraving of Ferdinand VII, King of Spain. While the exact date is unknown, we can situate it within the turbulent period of Spanish history marked by political upheaval. Esteve, as an artist working in this era, navigated the complexities of royal patronage and shifting political allegiances. Ferdinand VII’s reign was characterized by absolutism and a reactionary response to liberal movements. How might Esteve have negotiated his own artistic expression amidst these constraints? This image is not merely a portrait; it’s a carefully crafted representation of power. Ferdinand is adorned with regal symbols—the ornate collar, the elaborate sash—each element contributing to an image of authority. Consider the impact of colonialism on Spain during Ferdinand VII's rule, how did it influence the monarchy’s image? What tensions arise when considering Ferdinand’s representation in relation to those who suffered under Spanish colonial power? The image invites us to consider the power dynamics at play, and the ways in which identity is both constructed and contested through visual representation.