[stately classical music]
[muffled crowds]
Female Narrator: This pair of paintings depicts two events that took place on a single day in October 1759. The first picture, which depicts a crowd gathered in a palatial room with red walls, shows Charles, King of Naples, the same protagonist seen in the oil sketch and painting by Panini hanging nearby. But in this image, it’s 13 years later. His half-brother, King Ferdinand of Spain, has just died without an heir, and Charles was next in line to the Spanish throne. Because he is barred from ruling two countries at once, Charles transfers the kingdom of Naples to his eight-year-old son.
In the center of the image, King Charles is about to hand the boy a ceremonial sword. His exact words have been preserved:
[music ends]
Male Actor with Italian Accent: “Louis XIV, King of France, gave this sword to Philip V, your grandfather. I received it from him, and I now resign it to you, that you may use it for the defense of your religion and your subjects.”
Female Narrator: The prime minister, Bernardo Tanucci, stands below, reading out the official decree. Tanucci reminisced in a letter:
Male Actor with Italian Accent: “It was truly moving, causing tears to flow from the eyes of His Majesty and the others around him.”
Female Narrator: The second painting shows what happened later that day. A fleet of ships in the Bay are ready to take Charles to Spain. Neapolitans crowd the harbor to say goodbye to their popular king. Charles’ mother, who was very proud of her son’s new role, commissioned this canvas. So it’s no coincidence that Spain’s naval power is on display. Prime Minister Tanucci, waving the king off from his carriage, reported that he was:
Male Actor with Italian Accent: “…unable to hold back the tears.”
