The Scandals of the Dukes of Osuna: Is Being Aristocratic a Very High Price to Pay?
In the vast landscape of Spanish nobility, few lineages have shone as brightly and, at the same time, have been embroiled in such notorious scandals as the Dukes of Osuna. From their rise in the 16th century to their imposing presence in the 19th century, the Osunas have been a symbol of dazzling wealth and inevitable decadence. But what is the true cost of being aristocratic in an era where opulence and extravagance are the norm?
The Dukes of Osuna, with their extensive estates and lavish lifestyle, were the true kings of Spanish aristocracy. Their lands in Andalusia and their majestic Osuna Palace, with gardens inspired by French design, were the envy of all. The family fortune, estimated to exceed 20 million reales at its peak, came from agriculture, livestock, and, according to rumors attributed to "close acquaintances," less orthodox business practices.
However, as the centuries progressed, grandeur began to transform into an illusion. The extravagant parties of the Dukes, where thousands of duros could be spent on a single banquet, started to become the epicenter of gossip and scandal. Stories told by chroniclers of the time reveal that at their dinners, wine was served in Bohemian crystal glasses, and the music never ceased. It is said that some of their guests were controversial figures, which fueled controversy at court and generated tensions with other noble families.
One of the darkest chapters in the history of the Dukes of Osuna is found in the political intrigues of the 18th century. In 1711, the third duke, Manuel Miguel de la Cerda y Aragón, became embroiled in a scandal involving his wife, the Duchess of Osuna, and it was rumored that her extravagant behavior had...