Jerónimo de Curiel (c. 1530 – 2 September 1578), or Géronimo de Curiel, was a Spanish merchant and courtier.[1] Curiel was noted for his influence in European diplomacy and mercantile activity from the late 1550s.[2]

Diplomatic career edit

Curiel was born into the prominent Curiel family, who held diplomatic positions across central Europe. He was the uncle of Alonso de Curiel through bis brother Diego de Curiel, who was also an influential merchant.[3] Curiel started his career between Madrid and Brussels, furthering trade for the Spanish Empire. In 1560, he was appointed Agent of Felipe II of Spain in Antwerp, the Netherlands.[4] Curiel's influence reached its height under Margaret of Parma, who recommended that Curiel be created the King's head of the Treasury in 1567.[4]

With the arrival of the Duke of Alba in Flanders, Curiel saw his position diminish as the Duke forced out those with whom he disagreed.[5] In 1569, Curiel and Francisco de Ibarra attempted to tarnish the Duke's reputation in a report for the King.[4][6] Whilst the report was being reviewed, Curiel was stabbed at night, surviving after an intensive recovery. Curiel left Flanders to serve as the King's Agent in Paris, with little of the great influence that he had enjoyed in the Netherlands.[4] In Paris, Curiel strengthened relations between Spain and France.[7]

References edit

  1. ^ "curiel". dutchrevolt.leiden.edu. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
  2. ^ "Jerónimo de Curiel | Spanish Republic of Letters". cdigs.uwindsor.ca. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
  3. ^ "curiel_alonso". dutchrevolt.leiden.edu. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
  4. ^ a b c d "Jerónimo Curiel | Real Academia de la Historia". dbe.rah.es. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
  5. ^ Hume, Martin A. S. (2013-10-03). Calendar of Letters and State Papers Relating to English Affairs: Volume 2: Preserved Principally in the Archives of Simancas. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-108-06188-9.
  6. ^ Van der Essen, Leon (1911). "Épisodes de l'histoire religieuse et commerciale d'Anvers dans la seconde moitié du XVIe siècle. Rapport secret de Géronimo de Curiel, facteur du roi d'Espagne à Anvers, sur les marchands hérétiques ou suspects de cette ville (1566)". Bulletin de la Commission royale d'Histoire. 80 (1): 321–362. doi:10.3406/bcrh.1911.1903.
  7. ^ Teulet, Jean Baptiste Alexandre Théodore (1862). Relations Politiques de la France Et de L'Espagne Avec L'Ecosse Au XVIe Siècle: Papiers D'etat, Pièces Et Documents Inédits Ou Peu Connus, Tirés Des Bibliothèques Et Des Archives de France (in Spanish). Veuve J. Renouard.