A hand coloured, antique stipple engraving, published circa 1800, showing King Charles IV of Spain (1748 - 1819) and his Queen Louisa Maria. His father Charles III was an active, working monarch with experienced first ministers to help reach decisions. Charles IV by contrast, did not have mental capacity to be king, with a domineering wife and an inexperienced but ambitious first minister, Godoy. The combination of a king not up to the task of governance, the queen widely perceived to take lovers, including Godoy, and the first minister with an agenda of his own increased the alienation of the monarchy from the king's subjects. Riots, and a popular revolt in 1808 forced the king to abdicate on 19 March, in favor of his son Ferdinand.
Mounted. Unframed.
Print size: 16.5cm x 12.5cm
Mount size: 28cm x 24.5cm