Olivares, Gaspar de Guzm�n, Count-Duke of 1587-1645
Spanish nobleman and politician

He was born in Rome where his father was ambassador. He was the favourite (valido) of Philip IV of Spain, and his Chief Minister for 22 years (1621-43). Dynamic and swarthy, as in Velazquez's equestrian portrait, he alternated between euphoria and dejection as he toiled to defend Spanish interests in Europe, while at home he aimed to extend the centralizing power of Madrid over the non-Castilian provinces and to raise sufficient revenue. He achieved little abroad: the Dutch pushed back the Spaniards in Flanders, and captured Spanish colonies; he had little success in Italy, where Spain was overstretched; and France conquered Artois and defeated Spain at Rocroi (1643). At home his attempted reforms annoyed the nobles and his debasement of the currency produced a financial crisis (1639-40). This provoked rebellion in Catalonia and led to the secession of Portugal (1640). Under pressure from the nobles, the king dismissed him in 1643.