Prince Baltasar Carlos (1629-46) was the son of King Philip IV and heir to the Spanish throne. In this portrait he is only about 3 years of age and his cherubic cheeks, innocent gaze and golden curls seem to represent the perfect image of childhood, but his setting and costume give a different message. He is standing, bathed in light, in a stage-like setting: a red velvet curtain to the left and an empty black space behind him. He is holding a sword and a sceptre-like staff. Lying on a cushion next to him is an adult-looking hat decorated with large and elaborate feathers.

His opulent silver dress with lace collar and pink sash, tied around his chest, indicates his youth, nobility and affirms his status. The heavy brocade seems to sparkle by the artist’s application of small flecks of white paint.

Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velásquez (1599-1660), portrait painter to the Spanish Court, portrayed Prince Baltasar Carlos numerous times. Depicted in different ways, Velásquez always emphasised the Prince’s royal virtues and his destiny as a future King. However, Prince Baltasar Carlos predeceased his parents, dying of smallpox at the age of 16.

Compare this painting to the group portrait of Madame de Ventadour with Louis XIV and his Heirs. What similarities can you see in the depiction of the two boys?