Portret van Carlos María Isidro Benito de Borbón y Borbón-Parma 1836

Antoine Maurin created this portrait of Carlos María Isidro Benito de Borbón y Borbón-Parma, also known as Don Carlos, sometime in the 19th century. Don Carlos was a figure of staunch traditionalism in a rapidly changing Spain. He claimed the Spanish throne, sparking a series of Carlist Wars fueled by clashes between liberals and conservatives. Maurin’s print captures Don Carlos adorned with regal symbols, medals and finery. Yet there’s a sense of melancholy in his eyes, a reflection perhaps of his thwarted ambitions and the human cost of the Carlist conflicts. This portrait then becomes more than just an image of royalty; it encapsulates a moment of profound political and cultural conflict in Spain, a struggle over identity, tradition, and the very soul of the nation. Ultimately, this portrait invites us to reflect on how history is written and who gets to write it. It serves as a reminder that even in the most seemingly straightforward images, there are layers of complexity and stories waiting to be uncovered.