The Religious Patronage of the Dukes: Between Faith and Power in Spain from the 16th to the 18th Century
From the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs to the unification of Spain, religious patronage became a fundamental pillar of the cultural and social life of the country. During the 16th to the 18th centuries, the dukes, as representatives of the nobility, played a central role in promoting the arts and religious architecture, not only as an expression of personal devotion but also as a strategy to consolidate their power and prestige in a society deeply marked by religiosity.
#### Historical Context: The Nobility and Religion
The Reconquista, which culminated in 1492, not only meant the territorial unification of Spain but also a revival of Catholic devotion. Nobles, for the most part, aligned themselves with the Catholic Church, seeing it as a bulwark of their status and a means to legitimize their authority. In this context, religious patronage emerged as a way to demonstrate power and devotion; works of art, the construction of churches, and commissions to artists were visible manifestations of the nobility's commitment to faith.
Dukes, in particular, were prominent figures in this scenario. Their vast fortunes allowed them to finance large projects, and their influence could be key in ecclesiastical decisions. The construction of temples and the decoration of convents not only beautified the urban landscape but also served as a perpetual reminder of their devotion and power. Through patronage, the dukes ensured a prominent place in historical memory and in the hearts of the communities they inhabited.
#### Notable Examples of Patronage
One of the most illustrative examples of this phenomenon is the Duke of Alba, Fernando Álvarez de Toledo. Throughout the 16th century, the Duke of Alba was a fervent defender of Catholicism, especially...