Book by Silvia Z. Mitchell
Penn State University Press, 2019
Queen, Mother, and Stateswoman is the first study of Mariana of Austria (1634–1696), who ruled th... more Queen, Mother, and Stateswoman is the first study of Mariana of Austria (1634–1696), who ruled the Spanish Empire while her son Carlos II, was a minor. Mariana employed successful political, diplomatic, and military strategies at a difficult juncture for the Spanish global monarchy in the later seventeenth century. Establishing her role in European international politics, this investigation reveals the authority she wielded as a Spanish Habsburg queen and mother, even during her court exile.
Edited Work by Silvia Z. Mitchell
The Court Historian: The International Journal of Court Studies, 2018
Refereed Articles and Chapters by Silvia Z. Mitchell
The Court Historian: The International Journal of Court Studies, 2018
The Court Historian: The International Journal of Court Studies, 2018
The Spanish Habsburg court underwent a substantial restructuring when Carlos II (b. 1661, r. 1665... more The Spanish Habsburg court underwent a substantial restructuring when Carlos II (b. 1661, r. 1665–1700) became king of Spain just before his fourth birthday (17 September 1665). In his testament, Philip IV (r. 1621–1665) required that the child-king remain under the jurisdiction of his mother, Queen Mariana of Austria (1634–1696), during his minority. This well-established tradition in Habsburg child-rearing practices had never been applied to a child who was already king; it meant that for nearly a decade, there was no king’s household in the court. This article investigates the impact of Philip IV’s testamentary mandate on court ceremonial and the strategies that Mariana, queen regent and king’s mother, implemented. The unprecedented situation marks an important moment in the history of the queen’s household; it is crucial to understand how Carlos II exercised the office of king during his minority, and critical to reinterpret the early years of his rule as an emancipated king.
Early Modern Habsburg Women: Transnational Contexts, Cultural Conflicts, Dynastic Continuities, Dec 2013
Women, Diplomacy and International Politics since 1500, edted by Glenda Sluga and Carolyn James
Ashgate 2014--Routledge 2016, 2014
Unlike most of his predecessors, Carlos II of Spain (1661, r. 1665-1700), who inherited the thron... more Unlike most of his predecessors, Carlos II of Spain (1661, r. 1665-1700), who inherited the throne a few months short of his fourth birthday, spent his childhood growing up king of Spain. This important case of royal childhood, therefore, offers an unparalleled opportunity to study the life and political cycles of a male sovereign in early modern Spain, identify the milestones necessary for a child king to become a fully mature one, and understand the political consequences of both. I begin by asking how the practice of kingship was transformed when a child exercised it and, conversely, how Carlos experienced his childhood as king. I follow with an analysis of his political emancipation. Although Carlos II came of age the day of his fourteenth birthday, the boundaries between childhood and adulthood were nevertheless ambivalent. The disorders of the court that led the monarchy to the brink of Civil War in late 1675 and 1676 were mainly caused by the king’s inability to assert his independence from his mother, Queen Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), who had ruled the monarchy on his behalf for the previous decade. In the following two years, Carlos II asserted his independence and demonstrated that his obligations as sovereign superseded those he had as son. These very complex processes were deeply embedded in social, political, and cultural notions of masculinity, kingship, and adulthood, and thus critical to understand the convoluted events of the period.
Based on an examination of the household records, private correspondence among people who had direct contact with Carlos, state council deliberations on his marriage, in which ministers discussed the king’s maturation process frankly and extensively, and his personal letters, written as a boy of fifteen to seventeen, my essay uncovers aspects of Carlos II’s childhood that have been hitherto overlooked. In turn, my findings question what has been asserted about the king. Fear of a succession crisis that could have sent Europe into a major war, French propaganda during his minority that disseminated rumors about his purportedly certain death, and highly effective eighteenth-century Bourbon historiography, eager to present itself as the best alternative to replace the Habsburgs, gradually created a highly distorted image of the king. The portrayal of Carlos II as a feeble, retarded, and half-dead individual, however, does not stand a close scrutiny of the sources. Carlos II’s activities, which included hunting, dancing, playing ball, and participating in court ceremonials of all kinds, reveal the remarkable ability for a child his age to assume the ceremonial role of king and, in turn, advance an alternative interpretation of this important, albeit neglected, period in Spanish history.
Book Reviews by Silvia Z. Mitchell
Renaissance Quarterly, 2018
Renaissance Quarterly, 2018
Renaissance Quarterly, 2017
The Journal of Modern History, vol. 88 n. 1 (March 2016): 219-220.
Dissertation by Silvia Z. Mitchell
Philip IV’s death on September 17, 1665 inaugurated the sole royal minority of Habsburg Spain, an... more Philip IV’s death on September 17, 1665 inaugurated the sole royal minority of Habsburg Spain, an event that provoked tremendous anxiety in Europe due to the extent of the Spanish Empire and the potential consequences of a contested succession had the child-king, Carlos II, died without an heir. This dissertation analyzes the historical influence of Queen Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), who ruled Spain at this difficult juncture and emphasizes the significance of the period for the overall history of Imperial Spain. It investigates the office of regent, a female political office par excellence, within the context of the Spanish Habsburg court and interprets her political intervention within the multiple Spanish traditions that sanctioned female authority. Besides analyzing the structures that gave Mariana authority, this study is equally concerned with policy matters and the significance of her actions in broader international contexts. This revisionist history of Carlos II’s minority contributes to a recent scholarly body of work that has challenged the paradigm of Spanish decline. Based on state, court, and private papers, I contend that Mariana of Austria ushered in a period of innovation and change in the realms of foreign policy, the practice of kingship, and the political culture of the Spanish Habsburg court. All of these are essential to understanding the Spain of Carlos II and European international politics during the second half of the seventeenth century.
Conference Presentations by Silvia Z. Mitchell
The Spanish Habsburgs court underwent a substantial restructuring when Carlos II became king a li... more The Spanish Habsburgs court underwent a substantial restructuring when Carlos II became king a little short of his fourth birthday. He continued to live under the jurisdiction of his mother, Queen Mariana of Austria, whose household took over the role previously occupied by the king and his household in court rituals and ceremonies. A distinct style of celebrating kingship developed. First, the women of Mariana’s household gained a preeminent position in the rituals. Second, the number of meninos (boys under fifteen years of age) appointed as the little king’s entourage increased exponentially, providing a male-gendered and age-appropriate staff for Carlos II. While their presence added an unmistakable element of charm to court rituals, it emphasize the new reality of the court. The office of king, traditionally embodied by an adult king and his adult-male companions, had been replaced, even if temporarily, by the queen, her female attendants, and children.
The notion that Spain in the second-half of the seventeenth century, particularly during the reig... more The notion that Spain in the second-half of the seventeenth century, particularly during the reign of Carlos II (1665-1700), experienced severe stagnation and decline cannot longer be sustained. Yet, in spite of new investigations and analytical frameworks, Carlos II’s minority continues to offer difficulties. Led by the king’s mother, Queen Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), who ruled as regent from 1665 to 1676, the monarchy faced a series of power struggles, which came close to civil war in at least two occasions and eventually resulted in her exile from 1677 to 1679. An overemphasis on court politics, however, has obscured the dynamism of the period as well as the queen’s accomplishments and legacy. For more than a decade and backed by legal, dynastic, and socio-political traditions that sanctioned her authority, Mariana left a deep mark on the Spanish court and international politics. Her reforms of the royal households as well as her preference for the council of state as the principal organ of the monarchy contributed to a reconfiguration of the court. Her innovations in the realm of foreign policy led Spain to form major alliances with Protestant powers, most notably England and the United Provinces (1667-68 and 1673-1674). Besides effectively curbing Louis XIV’s expansionist policies, Mariana’s strategies triggered a realignment of the military and diplomatic blocks in Europe. Although no longer the indisputable hegemonic power of the sixteenth century, the Spanish monarchy under Mariana of Austria remained the largest political conglomerate of the West and a power to be reckoned with.
Although knowledge about Carlos II’s reign (1665-1700) has evolved considerably since the publica... more Although knowledge about Carlos II’s reign (1665-1700) has evolved considerably since the publication of Luis Ribot’s foundational essay, “El centenario olvidado” (2000), the period of his minority has been largely excluded from this important historiographical turn. Led by the king’s mother, Queen Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), who ruled as regent from 1665 to 1675, the court experienced a series of power struggles, which came close to civil war and eventually led to her exile in 1677. An overemphasis on court politics, however, has obscured the dynamism of the period as well as its political and diplomatic accomplishments. The accession of the three-year old Carlos II inaugurated a new stage of dynastic rivalry between the Habsburgs and the Bourbons, which, centered on the question of the Spanish succession, had European and even global consequences. Mariana responded with a series of alliances that led to a realignment of the military and diplomatic blocks in Europe. She was largely responsible for conserving the empire intact, although her tactics were often controversial. The geopolitical dimension of Mariana’s regency offers fresh perspectives on Carlos II’s reign. It also broadens the analytical framework used to understand women’s rule during royal minorities.
The Austrian-born archduchess, Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), ruled the Spanish monarchy on beha... more The Austrian-born archduchess, Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), ruled the Spanish monarchy on behalf of her son, Carlos II (r. 1665-1700), as queen “tutor and governor” from 1665 until 1675. While histories of her decade-long regency have emphasized the dominant presence of favorites, Mariana worked with many, rather than one, political figure. Based on a thorough examination of state papers and the previously unexamined personal papers of the Marquis of Aytona, my paper discusses Mariana’s patronage of a variety of new and younger political figures, her strategic appointments, and her relationship with various government bodies. Within the first three years of her rule, her political system brought substantial transformations to the court. A broad view of Mariana’s political partnerships with individuals and government bodies deepens our understanding of Spain in the later seventeenth century, allowing us to observe the processes that resulted in what Christopher Storrs’s rightly terms Spain’s “resilience.”
Marriage alliances between the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs cemented ties between the two branc... more Marriage alliances between the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs cemented ties between the two branches of the dynasty, fulfilled concrete diplomatic functions, and in Spain, ensured the continuation of Habsburg rule. A particular pattern in the politics of dynastic marriage— between eldest daughters of Spanish Infantas and Holy Roman Emperors, and kings of Spain— highlights the importance of female sovereingty for the Spanish Habsburgs. In 1570, 1649, and 1674, three archduchesses stepped up into the political spotlight at dangerous crossroads for Habsburg rule in Spain: Anna of Austria (1549-1580), daughter of the Infanta/Empress Maria (1528-1603) and Emperor Maximilian II; Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), daughter of Infanta/Empress Maria Anna (1606-1646) and Ferdinand III; and Maria Antonia of Austria (1669-1692), daughter of Infanta/Empress Margarita (1651-1673) and Leopold I.
While Anna and Mariana averted succession crises in the traditional way—they gave birth to the next kings of Spain, Philip III and Carlos II respectively—they brought more to the marriage than fertility potential and ability to cement dynastic ties. Their position in the line of the succession put them in a distinct category as brides who could have become heiresses if the circumstances required it. This issue comes to light with Maria Antonia’s case: her succession rights to the Spanish throne were openly and extensively debated in the State Council from 1673 until 1679 and clearly articulated in the marriage capitulations.
Shortly after queen dowager Mariana of Austria returned to Madrid on 27 September 1679 after a tw... more Shortly after queen dowager Mariana of Austria returned to Madrid on 27 September 1679 after a two-year exile, her son, King Carlos II, departed to the city of Burgos to receive his new bride, the French Princess Maria Louise of Orleans. By early December, the three royals reunited in the outskirts of Madrid to await the new queen consort’s formal entry into the city. This paper will examine the daily letters Mariana wrote to Carlos II during this exciting, emotional, and fluctuating period at the court. Never analyzed in their entirety before, this correspondence offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe Mariana’s memory of her younger self and, more generally, her ideas about youth. Besides revealing these personal outlooks, the letters vividly illuminate the material conditions and culture of travel in early modern Spain. As a form of traveling, the missives stand as a road map through memory and place.
Uploads
Book by Silvia Z. Mitchell
Edited Work by Silvia Z. Mitchell
Refereed Articles and Chapters by Silvia Z. Mitchell
Based on an examination of the household records, private correspondence among people who had direct contact with Carlos, state council deliberations on his marriage, in which ministers discussed the king’s maturation process frankly and extensively, and his personal letters, written as a boy of fifteen to seventeen, my essay uncovers aspects of Carlos II’s childhood that have been hitherto overlooked. In turn, my findings question what has been asserted about the king. Fear of a succession crisis that could have sent Europe into a major war, French propaganda during his minority that disseminated rumors about his purportedly certain death, and highly effective eighteenth-century Bourbon historiography, eager to present itself as the best alternative to replace the Habsburgs, gradually created a highly distorted image of the king. The portrayal of Carlos II as a feeble, retarded, and half-dead individual, however, does not stand a close scrutiny of the sources. Carlos II’s activities, which included hunting, dancing, playing ball, and participating in court ceremonials of all kinds, reveal the remarkable ability for a child his age to assume the ceremonial role of king and, in turn, advance an alternative interpretation of this important, albeit neglected, period in Spanish history.
Book Reviews by Silvia Z. Mitchell
Dissertation by Silvia Z. Mitchell
Conference Presentations by Silvia Z. Mitchell
While Anna and Mariana averted succession crises in the traditional way—they gave birth to the next kings of Spain, Philip III and Carlos II respectively—they brought more to the marriage than fertility potential and ability to cement dynastic ties. Their position in the line of the succession put them in a distinct category as brides who could have become heiresses if the circumstances required it. This issue comes to light with Maria Antonia’s case: her succession rights to the Spanish throne were openly and extensively debated in the State Council from 1673 until 1679 and clearly articulated in the marriage capitulations.
Based on an examination of the household records, private correspondence among people who had direct contact with Carlos, state council deliberations on his marriage, in which ministers discussed the king’s maturation process frankly and extensively, and his personal letters, written as a boy of fifteen to seventeen, my essay uncovers aspects of Carlos II’s childhood that have been hitherto overlooked. In turn, my findings question what has been asserted about the king. Fear of a succession crisis that could have sent Europe into a major war, French propaganda during his minority that disseminated rumors about his purportedly certain death, and highly effective eighteenth-century Bourbon historiography, eager to present itself as the best alternative to replace the Habsburgs, gradually created a highly distorted image of the king. The portrayal of Carlos II as a feeble, retarded, and half-dead individual, however, does not stand a close scrutiny of the sources. Carlos II’s activities, which included hunting, dancing, playing ball, and participating in court ceremonials of all kinds, reveal the remarkable ability for a child his age to assume the ceremonial role of king and, in turn, advance an alternative interpretation of this important, albeit neglected, period in Spanish history.
While Anna and Mariana averted succession crises in the traditional way—they gave birth to the next kings of Spain, Philip III and Carlos II respectively—they brought more to the marriage than fertility potential and ability to cement dynastic ties. Their position in the line of the succession put them in a distinct category as brides who could have become heiresses if the circumstances required it. This issue comes to light with Maria Antonia’s case: her succession rights to the Spanish throne were openly and extensively debated in the State Council from 1673 until 1679 and clearly articulated in the marriage capitulations.
My paper corrects this narrative, first by deconstructing it and then reconstructing it. The inextricable link between Carlos II and late seventeenth-century Spain have much more to do with the politics of childhood during a royal minority than historical reality. My paper calls into question the sources that have been used to create the image of a virtually moribund child-king by relying on less hostile and more objective sources, such as the household records, private correspondence among people who had direct contact with Carlos, state council deliberations on his marriage, in which ministers discussed the king’s maturation process frankly and extensively, and his personal letters, written as a boy between the ages of fifteen and seventeen. Furthermore, it is important to compare Carlos II’s childhood experiences with that of other children growing up in the Spanish Habsburg court in order to ascertain how unusual – or how normal – his childhood was. This critical examination and careful reconstruction is a first, but critical step, on the way to reassessing this important, albeit little studied, period in the history of Habsburg Spain.
A military men par excellence, Aytona had been appointed by Mariana’s husband, Philip IV (r. 1621-1665), to the Regency Council (1665) and Master of the Queen’s Royal Stables (1663). Mariana named him Grand Master of the Household (1667) and Captain of the newly created Royal Guard, La Chamberga (1670), making him one of the most powerful political figures alongside Nithard. The uncovering of Aytona’s previously unexamined personal papers disclose that the queen relied heavily on his advice (on military matters, domestic policy, distribution of royal patronage, and a host of other issues) and charged him with the execution of important tasks (royal household reforms, levy of troops, and device of military strategies). Aytona’s consultations were often read, signed and commented by the queen herself. Their political collaboration sheds light not only on the role played by Mariana’s trusted counselor and her own shrewdness and skill, but also on how this political partnership contributed to the forging of Spain’s foreign and domestic policy.
"
THE SEMINAR WILL BE BROADCASTED VIA GOOGLE MEET.
DO SUBMIT YOUR ATTENDANCE REQUEST TO SECRETARIA@MODERNISTAS.ES
FURTHER INFO: WWW.MODERNISTAS.ES
This symposium is organised by the Society for Court Studies and the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid (URJC), with support from Purdue University (Indiana), and will be held 25-26 May 2023, on the campus of URJC near the Palace of Aranjuez.
Proposals, in English, of about 500 words, must include the title and a summary of the paper, and be accompanied by a short biography (200 words) and the applicant’s contact details. Presentations should be given in English, as we are planning to produce a follow-up publication. Proposals can be sent to the team organisers at femalesuccession@gmail.com no later than Friday 16 September 2022. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by 18 December 2022.