Allegorical portrait of Carlos III standing on a pedestal flanked by figures (War and Peace?) 1778

Manuel Salvador Carmona created this allegorical portrait of Carlos III. Carlos stands upon a pedestal, flanked by figures representing war and peace, embodying the dual aspects of a ruler's duty. The figure of war, clad in classical armor, echoes images of Mars from antiquity, symbolizing strength, courage, and the readiness to defend the realm. This motif, traceable to Roman sculptures and Renaissance paintings, connects Carlos III to a lineage of powerful leaders. On the other hand, an Angel holding a crown of flowers is often related to the concepts of peace, prosperity, and divine blessing. The symbolic weight of these figures touches on our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations of conflict, security, and divine favor. The image reflects the cyclical nature of history, resonating through time as leaders continue to grapple with these fundamental forces. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to evoke deep-seated emotions and cultural understandings.