Francisco Manso, Silversmith of Madrid from the 17th Century

Abstract

Sometimes, when we check the funds of a archive, we find, fortuitously, some writing that, although they are not linked to our main research, are very interesting for other studies. This happened with the testament, inventory and almoneda of Francisco Manso, active silversmith in Madrid during the second half of the 17th century. So far, he has been quite unknown, and the proof is the lack of references on his life and professional trajectory. However, the analysis of the documentation preserved in the Historical Archives of Protocols of Madrid will change their fate, as they will allow us to know, among other issues, his origins, economic situation and his closest circle. Thus, with the following reading, not only will we have the opportunity to approach in more detail his figure, but also to advance in the knowledge of the set of masters of the Art of the Silver in the Madrid of the 17th century