Joaquín Atanasio Pignatelli de Aragón y Moncayo facts for kids
Joaquín Atanasio Pignatelli de Aragón y Moncayo (born in Caltanissetta, Italy, on May 2, 1724 – died in Madrid, Spain, on May 12, 1776) was an important Spanish-Italian advisor and diplomat. He worked for the Spanish kings and held titles like the 16th Count of Fuentes.
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Early Life and Important Roles
Joaquín Atanasio Pignatelli de Aragón was born into the famous Pignatelli family. This family was connected to very important noble families in Naples (Italy) and Aragon (Spain). His father, Antonio Pignatelli of Aragon, was the second son of the 9th Duke of Monteleón. His mother, Francisca de Moncayo and Blanes, was the Countess of Fuentes.
From a young age, Joaquín held important positions. He was a "Gentleman of the Chamber" for King Ferdinand VI of Spain. This meant he was a trusted helper and advisor to the king. In 1751, he also became a "Grandee of Spain 1st Class," which was a very high noble rank.
A Career in Diplomacy
Joaquín Atanasio Pignatelli de Aragón served as an ambassador for Spain in several European countries. An ambassador is a country's official representative in another country.
- He was the ambassador in Turin (Italy) from 1754 to 1758.
- He worked as the ambassador in London (England) from 1760 to 1762. This was a difficult time because Spain and Britain were close to war.
- He was the ambassador in Paris (France) from 1763 to 1773.
Working with France
During his time as ambassador in France, Joaquín helped Spain join the third Pacte de Famille. This was an agreement between the Bourbon kings of France and Spain to support each other. He became good friends with Étienne François, duc de Choiseul, who was the Prime Minister of King Louis XV of France. Choiseul thought Fuentes was a smart and honest person who was good at his job.
Joaquín was also close friends with Jerónimo Grimaldi, another important Spanish diplomat. However, their friendship became less strong around 1775. Joaquín had to leave France in December 1772 and was replaced by the Count of Aranda.
Return to Spain
After returning to Spain, Joaquín Atanasio Pignatelli de Aragón was offered the chance to lead the Council of Castile. This was a very important government body. However, he chose not to take that role.
Instead, he focused on his work as president of the Council of Orders (Consejo de Órdenes), a position he had held since 1768. This council managed military and religious orders in Spain. He was also a member of the State Council from 1763, which advised the king on important matters.
Awards and Death
Joaquín Atanasio Pignatelli de Aragón received two very important awards for his service:
- He became a Knight in the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece in 1761. This is one of the most famous and oldest orders of chivalry in Europe.
- He also became a Knight of the French Order of the Holy Spirit in 1768.
The 16th Count of Fuentes passed away in 1776. He was buried in the Convent of San Hermenegildo in Madrid.
Family Life
In 1741, Joaquín Atanasio Pignatelli de Aragón married María Luisa de Gonzaga y Caraciolo, who was the 2nd Duchess of Solferino. They had eight children together.
His Children
Some of their children included:
- José María (1744-1774), who was the Marqués de Mora and 3rd Duke of Solferino.
- Francisca (1747-1768), who married Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Spínola, the 11th Duke of Medinaceli.
- Luis Antonio (1749-1801), who became the 17th Count of Fuentes and 4th Duke of Solferino.
- María Manuela (1753-1816), who married Juan Pablo de Aragón-Azlor, 11th Duke of Villahermosa.
- Juan Domingo (1757-1819), who became the 6th Duke of Solferino.
After his first wife died, Joaquín remarried in 1775. His second wife was Mariana de Silva-Bazán and Sarmiento. She was the mother of María Cayetana de Silva, 13th Duchess of Alba, a very famous noblewoman. Joaquín passed away just one year after this second marriage.
See also
In Spanish: Joaquín Atanasio Pignatelli de Aragón y Moncayo para niños
