The prince’s dress

Over his red dress embroidered with silver stripes, the Infante wears a kind of white pinafore and a selection of amulets and bells. These include an amulet against the evil eye, amber against infection and sickness and a bell to keep his tutors and the royal household informed of his whereabouts.

These objects are an indication of the constant fear at the Madrid court that some danger might befall the much-needed heir to the throne. You get a sense of helplessness in this painting with the aggrandizement and formality of the scenario. As well as being weak and sick from birth, Philip is also mentally deficient. This is due to centuries of inbreeding among the Hapsburgs.