De la espada a la pluma: nuevos datos para la biografía del poeta y dramaturgo José de Cañizares (1694-1750)

Abstract

This work presents, through its study and annotated edition, the documents relating to José de Cañizares kept in the Archives of the Parish of San Martín in Madrid and in the General Archive of the Royal Palace. These documents present the reasons that led the poet and playwright from Madrid to abandon his military career in 1694 and, by providing information on the beginnings of his work as a writer of sacred poetry for the Crown, shed light on a key moment in his life, thus allowing for a significant biographical review. On the other hand, they represent a valuable source of information for the study of the administration of one of the main palatine institutions, the Royal Chapel, as well as offering keys to understanding the shaping of the literary and artistic fields of the court. They also show the evolution of the status of the author and his progressive professionalisation during the moving, fascinating and decisive period of transition between the Baroque and the Enlightenment.