This Retablo, painted in oil sepias on gold leaf panels evokes the Baroque personality of King Charles III of Spain (1716-1788). During his reign (1759-1788) Louisiana became part of the Spanish Empire and it was under his tenure that New Orleans experienced its’ greatest political, commercial and cultural development.

Situated in a stately building on the corner of Saint Charles Avenue, (dedicated to the memory of King Carlos) and Third Street in New Orleans, plus other extrapolations of the magical realm, suggested to me the theme and tone for the mural. A little known fact in the life of Carlos III is that before his coronation as King of Spain, he reigned for a brief time as King Charles VII of Naples and King Charles of Sicily. He left Italy to occupy the throne in Madrid bringing with him the prestige of a very successful administration and an entourage of some of the finest and most popular artists of the time (Tiepolo, Farinelli…) and also, some very effective politicians. It is therefore no surprise that the general richness and effect of his Government was felt throughout the Empire, including La Louisiana. This time was beneficial to New Orleans in ways and magnitude that surpass the scope of this presentation. This is an allegory in gold of a subliminal token of recognition for those magnificent facts and merits.