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Don Juan José of Austria (1629-1679) Fanart

He is the half-brother of Charles II of Spain and the extramarital son of King Philip IV and the actress María Calderón. He was a Spanish politician and military man. He was named after Don Juan of Austria the Hero of Lepanto. His mother La Calderona was a comedy actress. Duque de Medina las Torres who first called Philip's attention to her. She was beautiful and caught King Philip IV's eye while performing.

They developed a romance, and the King simply could not resist her When Don Juan was born, his mother entered the convent because she followed the etiquette of the Spanish court, which prohibit any woman who had been honored by the king from being honored by any man. He was born on April 7th, 1629, and was baptized two weeks later. He was registered "hijo de la Tierra" (The son of soil) of unknown parents.

He was brought up in a distinct remote from the capital, and his education was put in the hands of a mathematical Jesuit and a theological inquisitor. He could later have been the archbishop of Toledo had not for the Count-Duke of Olivares wished to legitimize his own bastards and prevailed upon Philip to do the same to make his action more respectable. However, at the age of thirteen, Don Juan was recognized by Philip IV and made Grand Prior of St. John with an almost royal household and large income. This rank will be a stepping stone for his career. His rank is to be that of the potentates like the Electoral princes, who were addressed as brothers by kings and Serenity by subjects. Baltazar Carlos refers to him as "my brother Don Juan". (They are the same age btw) They can go to the theater together on the same couch, but they are not allowed to eat together. Elizabeth of France would end her letters to him with "To Don Juan, my son" while Balthazar ended "To Don Juan de Austria, my brother, and my friend" At the age of 15, He was already the Governor of Flanders, and two years later he was given the title the Prince of the Sea, chiefly because his namesake had been victor of Lepanto. His only sea battle was the defeat of a small French boat. Henceforward he was to fight on land, and unfortunately with far less success against far more powerful foes.

In 1663, Don Juan of Austria was named "Captain General of the Conquest of Portugal” and placed in command of twelve thousand infantry and six thousand cavalry. Early success in 1663 was followed by embarrassing losses later that year; it was already clear that the undertaking was headed for disaster. Philip IV recalled Don Juan to Madrid, subjected him to an investigation, and replaced him with the Marquis of Caraçena.

In his youth, he was affable, brave intelligent, and hard-working but the twin enemies of his ambition and his defective birth tended to make him lose those great qualities he possessed and gain many less admirable ones.

In the summer of 1665, When it became clear that his father had few more months of life, He made a proposal that would shock Philip IV and lead him to refuse to see Don Juan on his deathbed. He presented paintings he made, one of these was a miniature representing Saturn contemplating with a smile the incestuous dallyings of his son and daughter, Jupiter and Juno. It was on the occasion of a visit to Aranjuez, that, he had been summoned by Philip to discuss whether he would be preferred to be Archbishop of Toledo or Inquisitor General. When Philip IV saw the painting the intention was clear. The face of Saturn resembles Philip IV, The face of Jupiter resembles Don Juan and the face of Juno resembles Margarita. When he saw this he was enraged and turned his back on him and never saw him again. Mariana of Austria loathed Don Juan for this scandalous act.

Don Juan of Austria had journeyed to Madrid to see his dying father. Philip reportedly stated that “this was a time to die” and insisted that Don Juan leave Madrid at once. Even if the words were apocryphal, Philip IV’s public snub confirmed his intention to exclude Don Juan from the regency government and succession, intentions made public when the testament was read. Philip IV drew his final breath on Thursday, September 17, at 4:15 a.m. Those in surrounding areas entered the royal chamber as the final moments approached.

In Mariana's regency, he overthrew Jose Everardo Nithard and later Fernando de Valenzuela. He and Mariana of Austria were rivals during the regency period. He arranged several coups to overthrow Mariana, which eventually succeeded, forcing Mariana of Austria into exile.

When he gained power, he successfully imposed laws that were beneficial to the country, despite becoming unpopular.

On August 24, 1677, he fell ill but seemed likely to recover. However, it meant a delay, as the king may not have wanted to dismiss Don Juan while he was bedridden. Even on his sickbed, Don Juan must have known that his tenure was about to end. He died four days later and was buried in El Escorial.

The story of Don Juan was incredible and interesting. He may not have always been successful in his plans, but his dedication, intelligence, and charisma made him formidable.

Sources: Carlos, The king who would not die, by John Langdon Davis and Queen, Mother, and Stateswoman by Silvia Z. Mitchell

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