Lot Essay
Ferdinand (1784-1833), first son of King Charles IV of Spain and his wife Marie-Louise of Bourbon-Parma, became Prince of Asturias in 1788, and King of Spain as Ferdinand VII after the abdication of his father in 1808. From 1808 to 1814, he was imprisoned in France, and Joseph Bonaparte reigned in Spain. After the liberation of Spain from the French occupation in 1814, he returned to his country and ruled until 1833. From his four marriages, he had two daughters, the future Queen Isabella II, and Maria-Louisa, the future Duchess of Montpensier.