Parrasio, Michele – Alegoría del nacimiento del infante don Fernando, hijo de Felipe II Part 1 Prado museum

The composition presents a complex layering of figures and symbolic elements within a theatrical setting. The foreground is dominated by a domestic scene: a mother cradles an infant, attended by several women who appear to be members of the household or perhaps allegorical figures representing virtues. Their expressions are solemn, conveying reverence and tenderness towards the child. A man stands beside them, holding what appears to be a scepter, suggesting authority and lineage. The lighting in this area is soft and diffused, emphasizing the intimacy of the moment.
Above this earthly scene rises an elaborate architectural structure draped with rich crimson fabric. This canopy serves as a visual barrier between the human realm and the celestial sphere. Within the folds of the drapery, cherubic figures are depicted, one holding aloft a cross – a clear reference to Christian faith and divine blessing. Two further figures, seemingly winged personifications, hover above, each bearing scrolls inscribed with Latin phrases that likely articulate the painting’s intended meaning.
The upper portion of the canvas is reserved for celestial beings. A female figure, crowned with a crescent moon, sits on a cloud, embodying Diana or Selene, goddess of the moon and protector of childbirth. To her right, a male figure in armor rides a horse, wielding a spear; he could represent Mars, god of war, signifying military power and protection bestowed upon the infant. The landscape visible through breaks in the architectural structure suggests a distant city and rolling hills, hinting at the vastness of the realm being inherited by the child.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of divine favor, royal lineage, and the promise of future greatness. The juxtaposition of earthly tenderness with celestial grandeur underscores the idea that this infant is not merely a human being but a figure destined for significant historical importance, blessed by both heavenly powers and earthly authority. The inclusion of classical deities alongside Christian symbols suggests an attempt to reconcile pagan heritage with Christian faith – a common strategy in Renaissance art intended to legitimize royal power through association with established traditions. The overall effect is one of carefully orchestrated spectacle designed to celebrate the birth of a prince and affirm his divinely ordained destiny.