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The sitter, daughter of Philip V, married Victor Amadeus III of Savoy in 1750. The carnation symbolises their marriage, as do the fragrant roses and jasmines given to her by Zephyr, the gentle spring wind with butterfly wings. Cupid, the god of love, meanwhile offers her some yellow daffodils, another symbol of spring, which are echoed by the pattern on her dress.
During his visit to Valencia in 1802, the Literary University of the city gave the King this painting which shows the university, personified as a young matron, introducing the royal family to the various faculties: Theology, Law, Philosophy and Medicine. They are accompanied by the goddess Minerva, who points to Peace, Victory and Abundance, who fly over this symbolic reception.
This is an extremely spontaneous and lively preparatory study for a now lost, larger painting. Seated in an imaginary room in a palace are Philip V and his second wife Isabella Farnese. Around them are their sons, the future monarchs Louis I, Ferdinand VI and Charles III, and Philip, Duke of Parma. In an oval frame is the official portrait, sent from Paris, of María Ana Victoria, betrothed
The King is depicted with his second wife, Isabella Farnese, forming the centre of the composition and surrounded by their descendents, the future Ferdinand VI, son of the King’s first marriage, and Charles III, both with their respective wives and all the other members of the royal family alive at that date. In this family and dynastic gathering, in which the various members are presented to thei
