Gobierno y redes clientelares en la Monarquía Hispánica de Felipe IV: el protonotario Jerónimo de Villanueva y la Corona de Aragón (1626-1643)

This article aims to study one of the main political figures of the Spanish monarchy during Philip IV’s reign: Jerónimo de Villanueva, protonotario of Aragon. We will examine his intervention in affairs having to do with the Crown of Aragon. First of all, on the occasion of the Cortes, or Parliaments, of the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon, especially with regard to the clients and kinsmen to whom Villanueva resorted. We will also analyze his role in the Council of Aragon since 1626, where he acted as the main collaborator of the count-duke of Olivares. Villanueva’s growing influence allowed him to consolidate a wide network of clients: mainly in Aragón, where his brother Agustín and other relatives reached important positions in the kingdom’s judicature. Thanks to such a network the protonotario could perform the role of broker between the elites of the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon and the royal court. Finally, we will observe the process of upward mobility of the Villanueva family as a result of his political career.