Previously attributed to Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-79)
Charles III Abdicating the Throne of Naples c.1759-79
Oil on canvas | 75.8 x 101.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404682
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On 10 August 1759 Ferdinand VI of Spain died without an heir; as a result his step brother, Charles, King of Naples and Sicily, inherited the Spanish throne. Numerous treaties dictated that he could not rule Naples and Spain. Thus, on 6 October he abdicated the throne of Naples and Sicily in favour of his third surviving son, Ferdinand, then eight years old. He established a regency council to provide for his son’s education and rule until his son reached the age of 16.
The abdication scene takes place in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace at Naples; the King stands beside a table in the centre of a large hall surrounded by numerous lawyers, ecclesiastics and officials. The king’s favourite minister, Bernardo Tanucci, described the event as ‘truly moving, causing tears to flow from the eyes of His Majesty and the others around him.’
A painting of the same subject by Antonio Joli is in the Prado, Madrid.Provenance
Purchased by Queen Victoria from the sale of Sir H.L. Bulwer's pictures at Christies, 7 June 1854; first recorded at Buckingham Palace in 1876 (no 798)
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
75.8 x 101.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
80.4 x 105.7 x 3.0 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
Charles III abdicating the throne of Naples, 10 August 1759
