Spanish Fernando
born Sept. 23, 1713, Madrid, Spain
died Aug. 10, 1759, Villaviciosa de Odón
King of Spain (1746–59).
He was the second son of Philip V and his first wife, Marie-Louise. The influence of his father's second wife, Isabella Farnese , kept Ferdinand out of politics during his father's reign. During his own reign he tried to avoid conflicts while relying on his father's minister to bring about reforms. Ferdinand, the second Bourbon Spanish king, and his wife, Maria Bárbara, were patrons of the arts and learning. On his death, the crown passed to his half brother, Charles III .