Philipp Prosper (1657–1661), son of King Philip IV (1605–1665) and of Maria Anna of Austria (1634–1696), was the longed-for heir to the Spanish throne. The child suffered from epileptic seizures and scrophulosis. The amulets and talismans hanging from his belt, chest and shoulder painted by Velázquez were said to have magical powers. Bells, pomanders (scent balls) or bezoars and marten paws were supposed to protect from the evil eye and keep illnesses away. But the pale face of the child suggests a dark fate. The delicate, thin-skinned boy was destined for greatness, but died when he was barely four years old.