The 'Negligent Duke' and His Adventures: Beyond Extravagance, Curiosities of His Life

The 18th century in Spain was a time of great contrasts, marked by the splendor of the Bourbon monarchy, the Enlightenment, and, of course, the extravagances of the nobility. Among the most emblematic figures of this period is the famous Duke of Osuna, known as the "negligent duke," whose life was filled with adventures, scandals, and above all, a lavish lifestyle that turned him into a symbol of a declining aristocracy.

Francisco de Borja y Aragón, the Duke of Osuna, was born in 1755. He came from a noble family that boasted a vast fortune, but his story is much more than that of a fortunate aristocrat. In a context where the nobility wielded significant power and led an opulent lifestyle, the duke stood out for his carefree attitude and extravagant way of living, which earned him the nickname "the negligent."

From a young age, Osuna displayed an indomitable character, which soon translated into a bohemian lifestyle and adventures that distanced him from the responsibilities expected of him. Instead of dedicating himself to managing his estates or engaging in the political duties befitting his rank, he preferred to immerse himself in the hustle and bustle of theater and high-society parties. This uninhibited behavior was, in part, a reflection of the culture of the time, where art and enjoyment were valued, but also a consequence of a lack of preparation and responsibility that would mark his legacy.

One of the most curious episodes of his life took place on the stage of the Teatro de los Caños del Peral in Madrid, an iconic venue for the aristocracy of his time. Here, the duke became a passionate advocate for theater and the performing arts, which led him to become a patron of artists and playwrights. However, his relationship with the theater was not always positive; it is said that his passion for acting led him to want to participate in some plays, which was seen as a scandal.