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Antonio Martín
Álvarez de Toledo
9th Duque de Alba de Tormes (1669–1711) Biographical 9th Duque de Alba de Tormes, Grandee of Spain 1701–11† 7th Duque de Huéscar [as heir of Alba] 12th Marqués de Coria 1701 8th Marqués de Villanueva del Río 1701–11† 9th Conde de Salvatierra de Tormes 1701–11† 8th Conde de Piedrahita 1701–11† 10th Conde de Lérin, Grandee of Spain 1701 11th Conde de Osorno 1701–11† 13th Señor de Valdecorneja 1701–11† Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece 1688 (Burgundian) Ambassador to Paris 1703 Constable of Navarre 1701 Antonio’s delicate health prevented him from pursuing a military career. He was described as a man of unremarkable appearance but sharp intellect, cultured, prudent, courteous with dignity, deeply honourable, trustworthy, and devoutly Catholic, practising his faith with sincerity befitting his grave character. In Paris, he rented the Hôtel de Talon on Rue de Grenelle and a house on Rue Dauphine in Versailles. Liberal and lavish, he fulfilled his diplomatic duties with magnificence, hosting renowned celebrations for events such as the birth of the Prince of Asturias in 1707 and the victory at Battle of Villaviciosa in 1710, sparing no expense to honour his king’s victories. His extravagance, however, led to the depletion of his fortune and significant debt. Despite his efforts, his embassy yielded few rewards: he did not secure the expected position of Felipe V’s chief steward, receiving only a minor appointment as sumiller de corps. Yet, the French court honoured him with rare distinctions, including invitations to Marly and an introduction to Madame de Maintenon. Politically, his influence was limited, with key negotiations handled directly between monarchs or ministers; he played a minor role in the 1705 negotiations for the return of the Princess of Ursinos and was excluded from the 1709 Dutch conferences despite his title of plenipotentiary. He was praised for his steadfastness during difficult times and was held in high regard by both the French and Spanish courts. His final years were marked by sorrow and illness, particularly after the death of his only son in 1709. Place of birth: Madrid Place of marriage: Madrid Place of death: Paris Place of burial: Chapel of the Carmelites, Paris Son of Antonio Álvarez de Toledo and Constanza de Guzman, he married Isabel Zacarías Ponce de Leon, and had issue: • Luis Antonio, d.y. • Nicolás (see) • Bernardino, who dvp |
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