The figure of the woman in the House of Osuna: power and resistance in a patriarchal world.

The House of Osuna, one of the leading noble houses of Andalusia, stands not only as a symbol of political and economic power in the history of Spain but also as a stage where women played crucial roles in a context of remarkable resistance and agency within a predominantly patriarchal world. From the 16th to the 18th century, these women were not only affected by the social structures surrounding them but also knew how to navigate and, at times, subvert those restrictions, leaving an indelible mark on the history of this illustrious house.

The women of the House of Osuna were not mere decorative figures serving matrimonial alliances; in many cases, they became true agents of change within their sphere. The nobility, in general terms, offered women limited opportunities, especially regarding property and participation in the public sphere. However, in the context of the House of Osuna, women demonstrated that they could play significant roles in the management of assets, the handling of diplomatic relations, and the preservation of their family legacy.

One of the most prominent figures is María de Silva y Mendoza, the first Duchess of Osuna, who became a fundamental pillar of the family in the early 17th century. After the death of her husband, the third duke, María took control of the management of their properties and oversaw family affairs with a shrewdness that defied the expectations of the time. Her ability to manage the family's finances and maintain their social and political relevance was remarkable. Furthermore, María promoted the education of her children, ensuring that, despite the limitations imposed by the patriarchal system, they had access to an education that would allow them to succeed in a male-dominated world.

María's work was not limited to