Nobility and patronage in the time of Cervantes

Abstract

The writers of the Spanish Golden Age, as Lope de Vega or the great Cervantes, were looking for a patron as a means to improve their social position and obtain economic benefits. The literary patronage of the 17th century involved a lot of writers in the politics court fights. In spite of the lack of conclusive evidence, we can say that Cervantes, like others, sought protection in Lerma’s circle. He was particularly very close to Pedro Fernandez de Castro, VII count of Lemos. Most of Cervantes’ works and his last words in the Persiles’ dedication are addressed to this nobleman. The culture and the nobility became the pillars of the new court uses.