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Charles IV, King of Spain

(1748-1819), Reigned 1788-1808

Sitter in 2 portraits
King of Spain from 1788, when he succeeded his father, Charles III. He married Maria Louisa of Parma in 1765 and left the government in the hands of his wife and her lover, the minister Manuel de Godoy. In 1808 Charles was forced to abdicate, under pressure from Napoleon, in favour of his son Ferdinand VII. He was subsequently deposed by Napoleon's brother Joseph. Charles was appointed a pension by Napoleon and died in Rome.

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Familia Real de España

by Unknown artist
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D13751

Political Quadrille

by Charles Williams, published by Elizabeth Walker
hand-coloured etching, published October 1806
NPG D46026

Related People

Francisco de Paula, Duke of Cadiz (son)
Charles III, King of Spain (father)
Ferdinand VII, King of Spain (son)
Maria Isabella, Queen of the Two Sicilies (daughter)
María Luisa, Queen of Spain (wife)
Maria Luisa, Queen of Etruria (daughter)
Charles, Duke of Molina (son)

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Charles IV, King of Spain