Dukes, Princesses and Archbishops: The Composition Date ofVirtud, pobreza y mujer, by Lope De Vega

Abstract

This article argues thatVirtud, pobreza y mujer, a play by Lope de Vega, was probably written in early 1616, and not between 1612 and 1615, as previously believed. The analysis focuses on the play’s second act; in particular, the article examines different allusions to contemporary personalities, such as the archbishop Pedro González de Mendoza y Silva (1571-1639), the princess – and future queen – Isabel de Borbón (1602-1644), and, finally, Jorge de Cárdenas y Manrique (ca. 1592-1644), 4th Duke of Maqueda.