Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares
Olivares, second in charge of Spain, held the strings of the
puppet King Phelipe IV vigorously. At the height of his career
he was a man ruthless in his disposal of unwanted
opposition. However, with advancing years and the burden of
war upon his shoulders, his life inevitably unraveled.
As friends grew few and he became less hedged about, the
queen was able to gain the-upper-hand. Stories of sordid
dealings with a noble family came to the attention of the
Inquisition.
He died before the Holy Office could incarcerate him after his
banishment from court.
Elizabeth of France
Known in Spain as Isabel Queen consort, a Medici, and
daughter of the French King. She was older than Phelipe, an
astute and committed queen who Olivares could not easily
manipulate. It was by her timely quick hand that he fell from
grace. Isabel was renowned for her beauty, intelligence and
noble personality, which made her very popular with the
Spanish people. She was very aware that her husband had
mistresses yet quietly suffered the insult. Many of Isabel's
babies died in infancy; but she did give birth to a strong
prince, Carlos, the hope of the nation and the pride of his
father. She died of a fever before her children reached
adulthood and was mourned by the nation.
Juan de Pareja
A slave of Spanish and Moorish parentage, Juan Pareja
survived in a Spain that had banished Moors from its borders.
He too was a painter; his most notable canvas The calling of
Matthew where he paints a copy of Velázquez’s portrait of
him.
Anecdotally it is said that Pareja placed this painting in front
of the King, lying prostrate before it. Where upon the king
was obliged to recognize him. On viewing the painting, he
pronounced his liking of it and wondered why such talent was
enslaved. Velázquez had no option but to liberate Pareja,
granting him his freedom. Diego did grant Pareja freedom in
1651 where he disappeared from the pages of history.
