Juan de Tassis, 2nd Count of Villamediana facts for kids
Don Juan de Tassis y Peralta, 2nd Count of Villamediana (in Spanish: Don Juan de Tassis y Peralta, segundo conde de Villamediana) was a famous Spanish poet. He was born in 1582 and died in 1622. People in Spain often called him simply Conde de Villamediana. He was known for his special style of poetry called Culteranismo, which was popular during the Baroque period.
Early Life and Family
Juan de Tassis y Peralta was born in Lisbon, Portugal, either in late 1581 or early 1582. His father, Juan de Tassis y Acuña, 1st Count of Villamediana, was an important diplomat. His father was given the title of Count by King Philip III of Spain in 1603. He even helped sign an important agreement called the Treaty of London in 1604.
Juan de Tassis y Peralta got married in 1601 after studying in Salamanca. When his father passed away in 1607, Juan became the 2nd Count of Villamediana.
Life at Court and in Italy
The Count of Villamediana was a well-known figure in the capital city. At one point, he was told to leave the royal court. Because of this, he lived in Italy for several years, from 1611 to 1617.
When he came back to Spain, he became famous for writing poems that made fun of people. He often wrote about important figures like the Duke of Lerma. In 1618, he was again asked to leave the court. However, after King Philip III died, Villamediana returned. He was then given a special job as a gentleman-in-waiting to the new king's wife, Elisabeth of France. She was the daughter of King Henri IV of France.
Mysterious Death
On May 14, 1622, a play written by Villamediana, called La gloria de Niquea, was being performed for the royal court. During the play, a fire started. A popular story says that Villamediana bravely carried the queen to safety.
Later that year, on August 21, 1622, Villamediana died mysteriously. He had been warned that his life might be in danger, but he did not listen. He was killed as he was getting out of his carriage. No one was ever officially blamed for his death. Some people believed that King Philip IV or his chief minister, Olivares, might have been involved.
His Published Works
The poems and writings of Villamediana were first put together and published in 1629 in Saragossa. His works included both his funny, satirical poems and his more serious verses.
