Spanish school; XIX century.

Spanish school; XIX century.
"Prince Balthasar Charles of Austria".
Oil on canvas relined in burlap.
It has a period frame.
Measurements: 21 x 17 cm; 36 x 31 cm (frame).
This piece follows the models of the painting of Prince Baltasar Carlos attributed to Velázquez and workshop, which currently belongs to the collection of the Prado Museum in Madrid. The work stands out for its psychological quality, showing a young man who is barely eleven years old, with an intelligent and iron expression, in accordance with the rank he holds as future heir to the crown. It is worth mentioning that the protagonist, Balthasar Charles of Austria (Madrid, 1629 - Zaragoza, 1646), son of King Philip IV and his first consort, Isabella of France, died prematurely. Due to his unexpected death, Philip IV was left without a male heir, thus triggering a serious dynastic crisis, as the only heir to the throne was the Infanta Maria Teresa.
Velázquez made numerous works starring the heir Baltasar Carlos, continuing the tradition with his son-in-law, Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo. This type of portraits became popular, largely due to the political relations of the Habsburg house that used these works both in the intimate family and diplomatic spheres. In fact, a clear example of the proliferation of these court portraits was reflected in the exhibition held by the Museo del Prado; Velázquez: and the family of Philip IV in 2014. This exhibition brought together a large number of portraits that showed the increase in demand for this type of works, caused by the birth of the infants and the arrival of a new queen. Thus demonstrating how both events led to the multiplication of court portraiture and the continuation of this work by various artists such as, for example, the aforementioned Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo and Juan Carreño.