Allegory of the Death of Philip IV (1605-1665) 1619 - 1671

Sebastián de Herrera Barnuevo made this pen and brown ink wash drawing, "Allegory of the Death of Philip IV," sometime in the latter half of the 17th century. The work gives us a glimpse into the elaborate rituals surrounding death and power in the Spanish court. The image is rich with symbolism, using the changing seasons to represent life's fleeting nature. We see figures representing Spring and Autumn, framing what would have been text about the King. These figures and accompanying Latin phrases underscore the themes of mortality and legacy. Consider how the artist uses allegory—the symbolic representation of abstract ideas—to navigate the complex emotions tied to the King's death. In a society deeply rooted in hierarchy, royal deaths were not just personal losses but events that reshaped political landscapes and personal identities. Barnuevo uses traditional symbols to express alternative narratives about the king, like the phrase “sicvt lilivm inter spinas”, meaning a lilly among the thorns. Through this piece, Barnuevo captures not just the end of a life, but a moment of transition, inviting us to reflect on the intersection of personal grief and public identity.