Gregorio María de Silva y Mendoza, 9th Duke of the Infantado facts for kids
Gregorio de Silva y Mendoza (born in Pastrana in 1649, died in Madrid in 1693) was an important Spanish nobleman. He belonged to the powerful House of Mendoza family. Gregorio held many high-ranking titles, including the 5th Duke of Pastrana, 9th Duke of the Infantado, and 7th Duke of Lerma. He was also a prince and a duke of several other places.
Contents
His Family History
Gregorio was the son of Rodrigo de Silva Mendoza y Guzmán, who was the 4th Duke of Pastrana. His mother was Catalina Gómez de Sandoval y Mendoza, the 8th Duchess of the Infantado. The Mendoza family became very powerful when they joined with another important family, the House of Lasso de la Vega. This happened when Leonor Lasso de la Vega, the last person from her family line, married Admiral Diego Hurtado de Mendoza.
Important Moments in His Life
Gregorio inherited his many noble titles after his parents passed away. He became the Duke of Pastrana from his father and the Duke of the Infantado from his mother.
A Special Trip to Paris
In 1679, Gregorio went on a very important trip to Paris. He traveled with his brothers, Gaspar and José. Their mission was to deliver special wedding gifts to the new Queen, Marie Louise of Orléans. She was marrying Charles II of Spain. The main gift was a beautiful painting of King Charles II by the famous artist Juan Carreño de Miranda. The frame of the painting was covered in sparkling diamonds!
The group left Madrid on July 30, 1679, and arrived in France on September 14. The Queen and the French court were very happy with the amazing gift. People at the time wrote about how surprised and pleased Queen Marie Louise was.
The next day, Gregorio officially gave the present to Queen Marie Louise. This event was celebrated with many banquets and parties all over Paris.
Uniting the Family Titles
In 1686, after his mother died, Gregorio became the 9th Duke of the Infantado. This was a big deal because it meant all the important family titles were now held by one person.
Role in the Royal Court
In 1688, King Charles II of Spain chose Gregorio to be his Sumiller de Corps. This was a very important position in the royal court. Just before his own death in 1693, King Charles II also made Gregorio a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. This was one of the highest honors a person could receive. After this, Gregorio played a leading role in the Spanish royal court.
A Lover of Art
Gregorio de Silva y Mendoza loved art, especially the paintings of Juan Carreño de Miranda. This was the same artist who painted the portrait of Queen Marie Louise. Miranda also painted a famous picture of Gregorio himself, which is now in the Museo del Prado in Spain. This painting shows Gregorio's support for the arts.
His Family
In 1666, Gregorio married Doña María de Haro y Guzmán. She was the daughter of Luis Méndez de Haro, who was a top minister for King Philip IV of Spain. Gregorio and María had several children:
- Luisa María de Silva y Haro (born 1670)
- Juan de Dios de Silva y Mendoza y Haro (born 1672), who later became the 10th Duke of the Infantado.
- Manuel María de Silva Mendoza y Toledo (1677-1728)
- María Teresa de Silva y Méndez de Haro, who became a nun.
- Catalina María de Silva y Méndez de Haro
See also
In Spanish: Gregorio de Silva y Mendoza para niños
