Abstract
The humanist and polymath Duarte Gomes, born in 1510 to a prominent New-Christian family in Lisbon, underwent three processos by the Portuguese and Italian Inquisitions in his lifetime. His encounters and escapes from these tribunals are at once extraordinary and representative of the experience of many Portuguese Jews and suspected Judaizers who were compelled to flee abroad when the Inquisition initiated proceedings in their homeland. While their existence was precarious, it was made more bearable by a complex network of coreligionists and sympathizers in commercial, diplomatic, and humanist circles. In Gomes's case, the Inquisition itself proved vulnerable to influences from these networks. This paper makes use of previously unstudied documents which reveal important information concerning when and how Gomes left Lisbon for Antwerp while the initial inquiry into his alleged marranismo was still taking place. The details of this and the subsequent processos against Gomes reveal, on the one hand, Inquisitions that wielded very real power to intimidate even those who, like Gomes, ostensibly enjoyed royal and episcopal favour; on the other hand, in comparison with Gomes's own connections, the Inquisition's manifest significant limitations of geographical reach and influence.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.