Spanish School (c. 1640) - Dona Luisa De Guzmán

- Oil on canvas. - Luisa de Guzmán, daughter of the Duke of Medina Sidonia and granddaughter of the Duke of Lerma, married Juan, Duke of Braganza, in 1633, thus consolidating a powerful noble alliance between Spain and Portugal. Her marriage, initially a strategic move by two great houses, took on a historical dimension when her husband was proclaimed King of Portugal in 1640, initiating the restoration of Portuguese independence from the Spanish monarchy. Later sources emphasized her strong character and decisive role in the royal acclamation, although this image may have been constructed to legitimize her authority as regent after the death of John IV in 1656. During her regency, she had to deal with internal tensions, war with Spain, and factional struggles at court, which ultimately led to her retirement in 1663 after being forced to declare her son Alfonso VI of age. Despite having been Queen of Portugal, Luisa never completely severed her ties with the House of Medina Sidonia. She died in 1666, when the Restoration was already a military success, although peace with Spain was not signed until 1668. Her life illustrates how an Andalusian noblewoman, not destined for royalty, ended up being a key figure in 17th-century Iberian politics. - Dimensions of the unframed image: 34 x 45 cm / 47 x 58 cm with 19th-century frame. - Galerie Montbaron includes with all its lots a technical sheet drawn up by a qualified art historian. This form is sent in digital format and on request.