Portret van Carlos María Isidro Benito de Borbón y Borbón-Parma 1833 - 1850

Nicolas Maurin created this print of Carlos María Isidro Benito de Borbón around the 1830s, likely in France. It depicts the Spanish Infante Carlos, a figure who embodied conservative resistance during a period of intense political upheaval in Spain. The image is striking for its detailed depiction of Carlos adorned with royalist symbols. This was a time of civil war in Spain, and portraits like this were tools of political propaganda. They served to legitimize Carlos' claim to the throne, visually encoding a set of social values tied to monarchy and tradition. Understanding this work demands that we delve into the institutional histories of 19th-century European monarchies. Scrutinizing period documents such as political pamphlets, newspapers, and even personal correspondence can offer a richer understanding of the print’s role. The image’s historical context reveals it as a potent symbol within Spain's turbulent socio-political landscape.