Antonio de Solis Paintings

Antonio de Solís y Ribadeneyra was a Spanish dramatist and historian born on July 18, 1610, in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. He is not primarily known for his visual art, as the reference to him as an 'artist' might suggest, but rather for his work in literature and history. However, his contributions to the cultural tapestry of the Baroque period in Spain were significant in their own right. Solís began his career as a dramatist and a poet, writing for the theatre during the golden age of Spanish drama, a period that also featured luminaries such as Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca.

His dramatic works include several plays that achieved popularity, such as 'El Amor al uso' and 'La Gitanilla de Madrid,' which were characterized by the cleverness of plot and the grace of dialogue. Despite his success in drama, Solís would eventually leave literature for a position in the Spanish government. He took up roles in the administration, which culminated with his appointment as the historiographer of the Indies, where he was tasked with chronicling the Spanish conquests in the Americas.

Antonio de Solís is best known for his work 'Historia de la conquista de México,' published in 1684, which recounted the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. This work is a key source for understanding the Spanish perspective of the conquest, though it has been critiqued for its romanticized and Eurocentric viewpoint. It is considered one of the last great works of the Spanish Golden Age and was translated into multiple languages, reflecting its influence and the fascination with the New World that prevailed at the time.

Solís's works, both dramatic and historical, reflect the Baroque style of his era, characterized by elaborate language and a focus on grand themes of power, honor, and the human condition. Later in life, Solís took holy orders and withdrew from public life. He passed away on April 19, 1686, in Madrid, leaving behind a legacy as one of the key figures in Spanish letters during a period of intense cultural and imperial expansion.