PhD Program in Historical studies
One exception: Charles II and a particular representation
Charles II became King of Spain and of its Italian and Americans domains in 1665, after the death of his father Philip IV. Suffering from physical defects and psychological disabilities caused by the common practice in the Habsburg dynasty of inbreeding, King Charles II was very weak, an almost helpless witness of the final decline of Spanish power. After the defeat in the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) and the loss of Portugal in 1668, the Habsburg monarchy had to increasingly give way to the France of Louis XIV (1638-1715). The latter, on the other hand, insidiously encroached upon Spanish possessions with military actions, as in the case of the so-called War of Messina (1674-1678), during which the French intervened in support of the Sicilian city which had revolted against Spanish rule. After the period of regency of the Queen Mother, Mariana of Austria, Charles II ruled, starting from 1675, relying in reality on his favourite ministers. Considered the victim of a curse, Charles II could not even procreate an heir by his two marriages with Marie Louise of Bourbon-OrléansMarie Louise of Bourbon-Orléans (1662-1689) was the first wife of Charles II of Spain (1661-1700). The Queen of Spain could claim to be descended from both the French (her paternal grandparents were Louis XIII and Anne of Austria) and from the English royal families (her maternal grandparents were Charles I of England and Henrietta Maria of France). Famous for her beauty, Marie Louise was unable, however, to provide an heir to the throne of Spain, probably because of Charles II’s impotence. She died suddenly on 12 February 1689. (1662-1689), grandaughter of Louis XIV, and Maria Anna of the Palatinate-NeuburgMaria Anna of the Palatinate-Neuburg (1667-1740) was the second wife of King Charles II of Spain (1661-1700). After the wedding (1690), the new queen tried to influence the policy choices of her weak husband. Because of the impotence of the latter, Maria Anna, just as the woman who had preceded her, was not able to beget an heir. She then attempted to facilitate the succession to the throne of her nephew Charles of Habsburg (1685-1740). With the beginning of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713), she retired to Bayonne, where she remained for the rest of her life. (1667-1740), a daughter of the Elector Palatine Philip William. On the death of Charles II (1700), the vacancy of the throne was the origin of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713).
No equestrian sculptures of Charles II have come down to us. However, it is interesting to dwell on a sculpture depicting Charles II as a baby, located in Italy, in the city of AvellinoAfter the Norman conquest of southern Italy, the city of Avellino was a fief of various noble families. In 1581 it passed into the hands of the Caracciolo, who controlled it until 1806. During this long period, Avellino experienced a long phase of population and economic growth. It became prominent, in particular, for the production of fine wool cloths. The Caracciolo also influenced the urban development of Avellino, with Palazzo Caracciolo and the creation of the main street of the city dating back to the eighteenth century.. Made in 1668 by Cosimo Fanzago, the work was commissioned and funded by the city of Avellino to celebrate the succession to the throne of the young king, then just seven years old. The venture was supported by Prince of Avellino Francesco Marino Caracciolo, eager to pay homage to the new sovereign, likely in order to be able to propose future political demands. The statue depicts a sumptuously dressed boy king, placed on top of a monument, the details and decorations of which, also made by Cosimo Fanzago, make it a work typical of the Baroque style.