The Dukes of Osuna, whose origins date back to the 16th century, belonged to one of the most influential families in Spanish nobility. Their title was granted to Don Pedro Girón in 1552, who became the first Duke of Osuna. Since then, the family accumulated power and wealth, partly due to the management of vast expanses of land in Andalusia, where their holdings were concentrated. However, their fortune was not limited to material wealth; the dukes also became patrons of the arts and promoters of culture, earning them recognition and admiration in certain sectors of society.
Throughout the centuries, the Dukes of Osuna have been portrayed in popular memory as heroes at certain stages, thanks to their role in the development of agriculture, education, and culture. For example, the third duke, Don Juan Manuel de Tovar, is remembered for his efforts to promote agriculture in his domains, encouraging his peasants to adopt new techniques and crops. He is also known for his esteem for literature and the arts, supporting the construction of buildings such as the famous Palace of Osuna, which became a cultural center of the time.
However, this heroic image is overshadowed by episodes of exploitation and abuse of power that also characterized some members of the family. The complexity of...